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House Republicans find themselves in a quandary once again as Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer withdraws from the race for speaker just hours after securing his partyÔÇÖs nomination. This ongoing dilemma demonstrates that the GOP is still nowhere closer to electing a new speaker, even three weeks after Kevin McCarthy’s historic departure.

In a surprising turn of events, Emmer’s swift withdrawal serves as another reminder of the Republican Party’s inability to unite behind a successor to McCarthy, resulting in the House’s continued paralysis.

To resolve this issue, Republicans have organized another speaker candidate forum. Following Emmer’s sudden exit from the race, there are now five remaining contenders: Reps. Byron Donalds of Florida, Chuck Fleischmann of Tennessee, Mark Green also of Tennessee, Mike Johnson of Louisiana, and Roger Williams of Texas. The forum is set to take place on Tuesday evening, with the aim of selecting a new nominee shortly thereafter, according to Rep. Mike Gallagher.

However, the protracted search for a new speaker has left the House in a state of disarray, with Republicans unable to effectively govern due to deep divisions within their party. As a result, it remains uncertain whether any Republican candidate can garner the necessary 217 votes to secure the speakership.

This politically precarious situation has plunged the House of Representatives into uncharted territory, raising doubts about the GOP’s ability to find a resolution to their internal differences and ultimately select a speaker.

With Emmer stepping down, he becomes the third Republican nominee from the GOP conference who failed to secure enough votes for the speakership. Despite winning the party’s nomination through a secret ballot election, Emmer faced opposition from conservative members of his conference as well as criticism from former President Donald Trump. Trump’s negative comments on Truth Social, where he labeled Emmer a “Globalist RINO,” appear to have influenced Emmer’s decision to withdraw from the race.

Emmer’s voting record on key issues such as certifying the 2020 election, keeping the government open, avoiding a debt default, and supporting same-sex marriage were cited as concerns by hard-right members opposed to his candidacy. Furthermore, members of Trump’s team reportedly contacted GOP members, urging them to oppose Emmer’s bid for speaker.

Despite a cordial phone call between Emmer and Trump, the former president resumed posting negative remarks about House GOP whip on Truth Social after Emmer’s nomination, contributing to the already divisive situation.

Emmer briefly commented on his relationship with Trump, describing it as “good” following a GOP conference meeting. However, it is evident that conflicting opinions within the Republican Party persist.

Rep. Steve Womack of Arkansas, reacting to Emmer’s withdrawal, expressed concern that the GOP is at an “impasse,” unsure if they can overcome their internal disputes and successfully elect a speaker. He acknowledges that while it is not impossible, the current signs point to a halt in the conference’s proceedings.

“Right now, I think it is apparent to the American people that the GOP conference is hopelessly divided. Can it be overcome? Never say never,” Womack stated. “But the signs are right now that this conference is at some kind of an impasse.”

This story and headline have been updated with additional developments.