Steve Scalise has dropped his bid to become the next speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives after a day spent trying unsuccessfully to win over recalcitrant Republicans.⁠ ⁠ The Louisiana Republican, who would have been the first from the state to serve as speaker, communicated the news to fellow House Republicans in a letter Thursday night. ⁠ ⁠ But his efforts to reach the 217-vote threshold needed to win the gavel proved difficult. ⁠ ⁠ He needed support from all but four Republicans, and as of Thursday evening, 19 were saying they would not support him. ⁠ ⁠ Read more using the link in our bio. ⁠ ⁠ #housespeaker #GOP #Scalise