WASHINGTON, D.C. - It was a busy day on the hill for House Republicans who are working to nominate and elect a new Speaker of the House. 

Eight Republicans and all House Democrats voted to remove former Speaker, Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), last week. A lot has happened following the coup against McCarthy, most notably the war in Israel. The conflict is putting pressure on the House, especially Republicans, to elect a new Speaker so that the House can function and assist Israel. 

At the top of the list Wednesday morning were House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH). Wednesday afternoon, House Republicans met behind closed doors to cast secret ballots for who should be the next Speaker of the House. 

Leader Scalise won the unofficial nomination from his colleagues by about a dozen votes over Jordan. Local members of Congress weighed in on who they plan to support and why. 

“Steve [Scalise] is our Majority Leader right now, and Jim [Jordan] is the chairman of the subcommittee that's investigating the Biden crime family,” said Rep. Mike Kelly (R- PA). "I would love to see Mr. Jordan stay where he is as chairman of Judiciary, finish his work on the Biden crime family.” 

“Certainly, he has my support,” said Rep. Glenn Thompson (R- PA) referring to nominating Rep. Steve Scalise for Speaker. “I think he – either of the two men would’ve done a great job as Speaker. I was glad that Steve got the majority.”  

Erie News Now asked Thompson if he believes House Republicans will be united in voting for Scalise on the floor. He replied: “That’s the goal.”