Pragmatic McHenry Emerges as Compromise Speaker Candidate Despite Not Seeking Role

Patrick McHenry is seen as a pragmatist who could govern effectively as speaker, though some Republicans want a fighter.

As Financial Services chair, McHenry has sought bipartisan deals and kept diversity issues on the agenda, drawing some criticism.

McHenry is ideologically in the middle of the GOP conference, backing Ukraine aid but avoiding culture wars.

McHenry didn't seek the speaker role and was expected to retire soon, seeing it as unobtainable.

Some think McHenry should get full speaker powers until a new one is elected, though he remains focused on facilitating that vote.