Kevin Hern, leader of largest House GOP group, weighs bid for the gavel

Rep. Kevin Hern, the head of the Republican Study Committee, is gauging support among GOP lawmakers ahead of a potential speakership launch, according to a Republican with direct knowledge.

The leader of the largest GOP group in the chamber, Hern arrived in Congress in November 2018. He gained some momentum during the January speaker race as the contest lapsed into multiple days. He earned a handful of votes before McCarthy ultimately prevailed.