AOC responds to the news that Byron Donalds is running for House speaker

Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York has responded to the news that Republican Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida is mounting a bid to become House speaker.

"Donalds has only served 1 full term in the House. His most recent work involved submitting falsified evidence in an impeachment investigation. These people are not serious," tweeted Ocasio-Cortez, who is currently serving her third term in office.

Donalds and a number of other Republicans have thrown their hats into the ring since Rep. Jim Jordan's speakership bid collapsed. Donalds had voted for Jordan, an Ohio Republican, during all three rounds of balloting this week. But in each round, Jordan was unable to earn sufficient support to secure the speakership.

"TONIGHT, I AM ANNOUNCING MY CANDIDACY FOR SPEAKER OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. MY SOLE FOCUS WILL BE SECURING OUR BORDER, FUNDING OUR GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBLY, ADVANCING A CONSERVATIVE VISION FOR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, AND EXPANDING OUR REPUBLICAN MAJORITY," Donalds said in a statement.

"UNDER MY LEADERSHIP, THE HOUSE WILL LEAD THE CHARGE TO ADVANCE A SIMPLE OBJECTIVE: PUT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE FIRST, KEEP THEM SAFE, AND MAKE THEIR LIVES EASIER," he noted. "I LOOK FORWARD TO SECURING THE VOTES OF A MAJORITY OF MY REPUBLICAN COLLEAGUES TO BECOME THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN SPEAKER, THE FIRST SPEAKER FROM THE GREAT STATE OF FLORIDA, AND THE NEXT SPEAKER OF THE 118TH CONGRESS."

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida, who did not back Jordan during the three votes this week, has thrown his support behind Donalds. "@ByronDonalds is an honorable leader and respected by the entire conference. That is why it is a privilege to endorse Byron for speaker," he tweeted.

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