Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) said on Thursday he would resign from Congress if House Democrats break ranks to support a moderate Republican from Speaker.
During an appearance on Fox News, Gaetz disagreed with host Laura Ingraham’s hypothesis that House Democrats will help elect a moderate Republican as Speaker after extracting some concessions, like equal representation on House committees.
“I’m on the floor, Laura. These 212 Democrats are going to vote for Hakeem Jeffries every single time. He is a historic candidate for them. They are not going to cleave off under any circumstance. I assure you of that,” Gaetz said.
“If Democrats join up to elect a moderate Republican, I will resign from the House of Representatives. That is how certain I am. I can assure your viewers: That won’t happen,” he added.Â
Gaetz is one of 20 House Republicans who are blocking GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy’s path to the speakership. The House adjourned three days this week without electing a Speaker. McCarthy fell short of the 218 votes needed to secure the speakership on 11 consecutive ballots.
Democrats meanwhile are united behind House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY) with all 212 House Dems casting their vote for him as Speaker on all 11 ballots.
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