Crypto-friendly representative Tom Emer is pursuing a nomination for House Speaker

Crypto-friendly Republican Rep. Tom Emmer is pursuing a bid to become Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the 62-year-old has received support from several lawmakers.

Representative Patrick McHenry continues to hold the position on an interim basis following the Oct. 17 primary vote. Republican candidate Speaker Jim Jordan could not get the votes to hold the role.

Emer's pursuit began on Oct. 20 in a post on X (formerly Twitter) by NBC News reporter Jake Sherman, who noted that Emer “told members of the House Republican conference that he was looking for a candidate for speaker.”

“Minnesota is currently the No. 3 House Republican. “He's going to be the frontrunner in this race right away,” Sherman added.

BREAKING — Tom Emmer tells House Republican conference members they're looking for a nomination for speaker.

Minnesota is currently the No. 3 House Republican.

He will immediately take the lead in this race.

— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) October 20, 2023

CBS News reports that an unnamed source close to Emer confirmed that he is “making calls” to pursue the candidate.

As speaker pro tempore, McHenry does not have the authority to push legislation forward in the House. As a result, progress has stopped on various bills, including those related to crypto, which shows the need to choose a new speaker.

If Emmer becomes speaker, the move would be warmly welcomed by members of the crypto community.

Emmer has spoken out against digital assets on numerous occasions and has a history of pushing against the regulation from the US Securities and Exchange Commission and Chairman Gary Gensler's enforcement approach.

Emmer has already received some public support.

Representative Brad Finstad released a statement on October 20 endorsing Emmer for speaker.

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“It has been a privilege to work with Tom since the day I arrived at Congress, and I truly appreciate him as a mentor and friend,” he added.

“The American people deserve a Congress that works. It is my hope that my House colleagues will come together to put the House back in order and get back to work for the American people as this election ends.”

Whether across MN or across the country, @GOPMajorityWhip Emmer has the confidence and respect necessary to lead. Proud to support him for Speaker.

Read my full statement: https://t.co/9awEimquY3

— Congressman Brad Finstad (@RepFinstad) October 20, 2023

In particular, Republican Representative Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted from his role as speaker on October 4, has also reportedly thrown his support behind Emer.

“He's the right man for the job. He can bring the conference together. He understands the dynamics of the conference. He knows what it takes to win and hold a majority.”

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