Who is Austin Scott? There’s another Republican running for Speaker of the House

Georgia Congressman Austin Scott threw his hat into the ring to be Speaker of the House, capping a tumultuous week of GOP infighting in which no clear favorite has emerged.

“I have filed to be Speaker of the House,” Scott, who represents Georgia’s eighth congressional district, wrote Oct. 13 on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“We are in Washington to legislate, and I want to lead a House that functions in the best interest of the American people.”

Scott, who is in his seventh term, was an ally of Rep. Kevin McCarthy before his ouster last week.

“This motion to vacate is a selfish waste of time motivated out of the personal spite of a select few towards McCarthy,” he wrote on X on Oct. 3.

Scott sits on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Agriculture Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

“He is a respected voice on national security and agriculture issues and a fierce fighter for Georgia’s military installations and rural communities,” according to his office.

Before his election to Congress, he served for 14 years in the Georgia State House, winning his first election at 26, according to the state’s Chamber of Commerce.

He graduated from the University of Georgia and lives in Tifton, about 100 miles south of Macon, with his wife and children, according to his campaign website.

His entrance into the race comes after Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise, a leading contender for the speakership, withdrew his name from consideration. Scott set himself up as an alternative to Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, a Donald Trump-endorsed candidate for the speakership.

Congressman Scott’s record

Scott has called for cutting government spending, increasing border security and has repeatedly advocated that American corporations cut ties with China.

He has accused the Justice Department of operating with a double standard in its prosecution of former President Donald Trump.

“How can the justice system recommend a plea deal for Hunter Biden but continue to pursue President Trump this way?” he said on X in August. “It’s like we are in an authoritarian state.”

Unlike some House Republicans, who have distanced themselves from Ukraine, Scott has been vocal about his support for the country.

“The bond between the freedom-loving people of the United States and Ukraine is stronger than ever,” he wrote on X on Feb. 24. “2023 will see the liberation of Ukraine. Slava Ukraini!”

He abstained from voting on a bill in July that sought to limit the amount of American aid sent to Ukraine.

On Jan. 6, 2021, following the attack on the U.S. Capitol, Scott voted to certify President Joe Biden’s electoral victory.

“Congress does not have the Constitutional authority to overturn a state’s electoral votes — nor does the Vice President,” he said in a statement. “And I believe my decision to support the Electoral College fulfills my sworn oath to the Constitution.”

George Santos could join list of Confederates, felons booted from Congress. What to know

Atheist eyeing political run won’t swear to God — so he sues to change oath in New Jersey

Biden’s dog booted from White House. Lions, tigers and bear came before him — literally