House Republicans Optimistic About Ending Speaker Crisis Soon

After a weekend away from Washington, Republicans expressed optimism on electing a speaker as early as Oct. 24 to end three weeks of inactivity in the House.

The U.S. Capitol building is pictured in Washington on Oct. 23, 2023. Julia Nikhinson/AFP via Getty Images

A more subdued House Republican conference returned to Washington for its third speaker candidate search on Oct. 23.

After an emotional week three, which began with the ouster of the former speaker and included the failed candidacies of two Republican speaker designees, members appeared more relaxed and ready to cooperate on finding a candidate who can earn the 217 Republican votes needed for election.