Update: Green’s run for speaker was short-lived, as the Republican caucus has chosen Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana as next up in a series of contenders for U.S. House speaker.

Green released the following statement on X, formerly Twitter:

“It was an honor for me to endorse Mike Johnson as our next Speaker when I ended my campaign. It’s time to unite behind Speaker-designate Johnson and to get back to work. I didn’t run for Speaker of the House because I wanted the job. In fact, I said no to my colleagues multiple times. Yet after seeing the House without a Speaker for three weeks, unable to accomplish the people’s business, I knew I had to throw my hat in the ring. It will take a unified Republican Conference to secure the border, cut inflationary spending, and preserve the Constitution – these are our ultimate goals. I’m ready to help Mike Johnson in leading us to accomplish these goals.”

Johnson of Louisiana, a lower-ranked member of the House GOP leadership team, becomes the fourth Republican nominee, according to the AP. When the House convenes at noon Wednesday ahead of a floor vote, Johnson, who won the majority behind closed doors, will need almost all Republicans in the public roll call to win the gavel.

Previously:

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A spokesperson for Rep. Mark Green of Clarksville has confirmed that he is among those now running for speaker of the U.S. House.

Green’s announcement, confirmed to Clarksville Now news partner WKRN-Channel 2 in Nashville, came after Republican Tom Emmer abruptly abandoned his bid Tuesday. Emmer withdrew hours after winning the internal party nomination once it became clear he would not have enough support from GOP colleagues for the gavel.

Rep. Chuck Fleischmann of Tennessee has also put in a bid, as have Byron Donalds (FL), Kevin Hern (OK), Mike Johnson (LA), and Roger Williams (TX).

How we got here

Emmer, the GOP Whip, reversed course after Donald Trump objected to his nomination and hardliners in the House denied the party leader the votes he would need, according to an Associated Press report.

He is the third Republican to fall short, leaving dejected Republicans no closer to resolving the chaos they have created since ousting Kevin McCarthy at the start of the month.

Emmer briskly left the building where he had been meeting privately with Republicans, and hopped into a waiting SUV. He said nothing in response to shouted questions as they drove off from the Capitol complex.

Trump, speaking as he left the courtroom in New York where he faces business fraud charges, said his “un-endorsement” must have had an impact on Emmer’s bid.

“He wasn’t MAGA,” said Trump, the party’s front-runner for the 2024 presidential election, referring to his Make America Great Again campaign slogan.

For three weeks the House has been thrown into turmoil, the Republicans now trying desperately to end the bitter infighting and choose a new speaker who can credibly unite the GOP majority, lead the party and get the U.S. Congress working again.

They prepared to return behind closed doors, where they spend much of their time, trying to agree on a new leader.

About Mark Green

Green, who has been the 7th District representative since 2019, serves on the House Committee on Homeland Security, House Armed Services Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis. In addition, Green serves as ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, Migration and International Economic Policy.

Green is a physician, businessman, combat veteran and former state senator. During his years of service, he was a flight surgeon assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.