Zeldin Might Challenge McDaniel for GOP Chair

Republican Lee Zeldin is considering challenging Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel for her position in the party.

Politico was first to report on Zeldin's deliberations after obtaining an email Zeldin sent to RNC members on Thursday. Zeldin later retweeted a link to Politico's article and wrote, "It is time nationally for the Republican Party to retool, transform, win back the Presidency in 2024, expand our number of GOP-held seats in Congress, and elect the maximum number of down-ballot candidates across the country."

Matt Rinaldi, the chairman for the Republican Party of Texas, commented on Twitter about Zeldin potentially running for the position, which Zeldin then retweeted. "He's got my vote," Rinaldi wrote.

Fox News host Sean Hannity also tweeted about Zeldin's interest in leading the GOP, saying, "GIVE 'EM ZEL!"

Zeldin's interest in becoming the RNC's new chair comes just over a week after he lost his bid to become New York's next governor to incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul. Zeldin, whose campaign was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, has represented New York's 1st District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2015.

A potential challenge to McDaniel's seat by Zeldin would also follow national midterm election results that Republicans had not anticipated. While Republicans won enough House seats to regain control of the chamber, the party did not win back the U.S. Senate and did not see the "red wave" that pollsters predicted ahead of Election Day.

Undocumented Students Get New Tuition Options in AZ

A proposition to expand financial options for undocumented students interested in pursuing higher education passed in Arizona following last week's midterm elections.

The Associated Press said Monday that the measure had passed. State election data showed 51.22 percent of Arizona's midterm voters cast their ballots in favor.

The proposition was introduced as a measure that would open financial aid access and expand in-state tuition for qualifying students in Arizona "regardless of immigration status."

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat, celebrated the proposition's passage in a Thursday post on Twitter.

The proposition "gives all students the opportunity for higher education in Arizona," Kelly tweeted. "We must keep working to give Dreamers a pathway to citizenship."

MTG Calls for Audit on Ukraine Spending

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia said Thursday that she and other House Republicans are calling for "an audit of funds to Ukraine." Greene said the money allocated for Ukrainian aid thus far could have been used instead to secure the U.S.-Mexico border.

Greene shared a video on Twitter of a small group of people, whom she identified as Ukrainian soldiers.

"It is heartbreaking to see these disabled Ukrainian soldiers here in the halls of Congress being used as pawns to pressure our Congress to give American's hard earned tax dollars to Zelensky," Greene tweeted. "I'm calling for an audit of funds to Ukraine and to fund and secure our border."

On Thursday afternoon, Greene and a handful of other congressional Republicans addressed reporters to explain the resolution Greene said she introduced in the House.

"What this will do is it will hold our government accountable for all of the funding for Ukraine," Greene said of the resolution.

Greene outlined some of the funding that the U.S. has allocated for Ukraine in the months since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began. She said Americans "deserve to know where their money is going and how it's being spent." She compared the billions of dollars sent to Ukraine with the amount of money border officials say they need to patrol the U.S.-Mexico border.

"President Trump's border wall would have only cost $22 billion. With the money we've sent to Ukraine, we could have already secured our border, but we're not doing that," Greene said.

Biden to Ask SCOTUS to Allow Student Debt Relief

President Joe Biden's administration has indicated it will ask the U.S. Supreme Court to step in and allow Biden's student loan debt relief program to resume after the program was placed on pause earlier this week.

A Thursday court filing reviewed by CNBC said officials within Biden's administration intend on requesting that the Supreme Court lift the injunction currently blocking the program from moving forward.

The program was initially expected to welcome student debt relief applications through the end of this year, with many approved borrowers able to receive up to $10,000 in debt relief and some Pell Grant recipients able to receive up to $20,000 in relief. The U.S. Department of Education is not currently accepting new applications as legal challenges play out.

The Biden administration has encountered several challenges to the program since the president introduced it in August. The debt relief plan was announced amid a pause on student loan payments that began in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and remains in place. That payment pause is expected to end once 2022 is over.

Pence Says US Is 'Looking for New Leadership'

Former Vice President Mike Pence said he believes Americans are "looking for new leadership" during a recent interview with the Associated Press, the day after former President Donald Trump announced his 2024 presidential campaign.

In a video the AP shared Thursday, Pence said he delivered a speech of his own Tuesday as Trump officially launched his campaign, but said "I caught clips" of the former president's announcement.

"The president has every right to stand for election again," Pence said. He then said he "really" believes that Americans "long to go back to the successful policies of the Trump-Pence administration" following what he described as "the failed policies of the Biden administration." He cited job creation, border security, support for the U.S. military and adding conservative judges to U.S. courts as among those policies he said Americans want back.

"I have a genuine sense that the American people are looking for new leadership that could unite our country around our highest ideals," Pence said.

Pence appeared for the video interview in front of the cover of his new autobiography, So Help Me God, which he released earlier this week. Pence is reportedly considering a run for president and has made many appearances around the country in recent months.

Herschel Walker Compares Vampires, Werewolves at Event

As the Georgia Senate race continues to a runoff in December, candidates continue to hold rallies and campaign events to keep their base engaged.

During a campaign event Wednesday, Republican candidate Herschel Walker's speech took an unusual turn when he began speaking about vampires and werewolves to set up his point about faith.

He told the crowd he wants them to "keep the faith" before explaining his experience watching a film called Fright Night.

The 1985 Tom Holland film about a young man who discovers that his next-door neighbor is a vampire. There was also a 2011 remake directed by Craig Gillespie.

"I don't know if you know, but vampires are some cool people, are they not?" Walker continued.

He then shared that he recently found out, that "a werewolf can kill a vampire."

"I didn't know that. so I don't want to be a vampire anymore, I want to be a werewolf."

Walker then continued to explain the plot of the film to the crowd of supporters. He said the vampire wearing a suit floating from the ceiling in the film looked like his opponent, Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock.

He then spoke about a character in the film who was brought in to kill the vampire with holy water and a cross. Walker recalled how the vampire in the film said that the religious items "don't work."

"But that's the way things work in our life. It doesn't work unless you've got faith," he said. "We gotta have faith in our fellow brother. We gotta have faith in this country. We gotta have faith in our elected officials. And that's the reason I'm here."

Megyn Kelly Fell Asleep During Trump 2024 Launch

Megyn Kelly said she "did doze off" during former President Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign announcement earlier this week.

The conservative media personality described "looking forward" to Trump's announcement during a recent episode of her podcast, The Megyn Kelly Show.

"Trump never disappoints. But he kind of did disappoint a little last night, not to be too hard on him," Kelly said.

Leading up to his announcement, some of Trump's former advisers said they would be encouraging him to hold off on officially launching his next presidential campaign until after Georgia's Senate runoff election next month. Incumbent Democrat Raphael Warnock is running in the Georgia race against Republican Herschel Walker, who is endorsed by Trump.

Kelly acknowledged that Trump was attempting to appear presidential and "trying to not screw anything up for Herschel Walker" during his announcement at Mar-a-Lago Tuesday night.

"But he did seem a little low energy," Kelly said. "I was slightly bored. I'm not gonna lie—I did fall asleep before the end of the hour."

She added later: "I did doze off, and that's just unprecedented for a Trump rally."

Trump made his announcement a week after the midterm elections. While some political experts predicted American voters would see a "red wave" on Election Day, Republicans did not win back as many seats in the House of Representatives as they anticipated, and they did not win back control of the U.S. Senate. Several of the candidates Trump endorsed did not win their elections, raising questions about Trump's continued power in the party.

House Whip Clyburn Steps Down from Leadership

House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn is the latest Democrat to step down from leadership to usher in a new generation after the Republicans regain the House majority.

"It has been a great privilege and high honor to serve in the House and its leadership alongside Speaker Nancy Pelosi," Clyburn said in a statement following Pelosi's announcement that she will not seek leadership re-election.

He added that Pelosi "left an indelible mark on Congress and the country."

Majority Leader Steny Hoyer also announced he will step down from Democratic leadership to make way for the next generation to lead the caucus.

Clyburn said he will continue to do what he can to assist "our new generation of Democratic Leaders."

He said he hopes Representatives Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark and Pete Aguilar become the next party leaders in the House. Hoyer has also endorsed Jeffries as his successor as Majority Leader.

Kari Lake 'Still in the Fight' for AZ Governor

Republican Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake said she is "still in the fight" for governor, days after the race has been called for her Democratic opponent Katie Hobbs.

Lake released a video Thursday promising to investigate claims of voter fraud amid Arizona's "broken election system."

She accused Hobbs, Arizona's Secretary of State, of disenfranchising voters.

"The fox was guarding the hen house," Lake said.

Lake also said hundreds of polling locations had issues with printing ballots and tabulating results on election day, causing long lines and delays.

"When we raised concerns to get rid of electronic voting machines, they said we were crazy," she said. "Well it turns out we were right."

Lake has assembled the "best and brightest" legal team to shift through evidence and explore every avenue to "correct the many wrongs that have been done this past week."

"Our election officials failed us miserably," she said. "This fight to save our republic has just begun."

Democrats Thank 'Trailblazer' Pelosi

Democrats across the country are reacting on social media to Nancy Pelosi's Thursday announcement that she will not seek a leadership position in the new Congress.

President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer were among the party leaders who thanked and congratulated Pelosi on her two decades in Congressional leadership.

The White House released a statement from Biden that detailed Pelosi's time in Congress, and he later tweeted an image of himself shaking Pelosi's hand.

Schumer also shared a photo of himself grasping Pelosi's hand that was taken shortly after Pelosi made her announcement. Schumer told reporters on Thursday that he urged Pelosi to "please change your mind" when he heard of her plans, according to CNN.

Several of Pelosi's colleagues in the House posted tweets thanking her for the time she spent as Speaker. Rep. Katie Porter called Pelosi "a trailblazer" and "fierce advocate" for their shared home state of California and for the country as a whole. "Her legacy will live on with our next generation of leaders," Porter wrote.

Rep. Ted Lieu of California called Pelosi the "best Speaker ever." New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, whom the House's current majority leader has endorsed as the chamber's next Democratic leader, called Pelosi the "G.O.A.T.," or "greatest of all time."

In the Senate, Cory Booker of New Jersey said on Twitter that the U.S. "is better because Nancy Pelosi chose to serve." California Senator Dianne Feinstein said Pelosi's announcement "is personally very difficult for me because she has done so much good for the country and for women."

"I'm proud to call her a friend and look forward to continuing to work with her, here in Congress and back home," Feinstein tweeted.

Sitting governors Kathy Hochul of New York and Gavin Newsom of California also released statements about Pelosi's announcement. Hochul acknowledged Pelosi's role as the first female House speaker and said Pelosi "has helped lead our country through tremendous crises with grit and grace." Newsom called Pelosi "an absolute masterclass in powerful, empathetic leadership, guided by her strong moral compass and unmatched political skill."

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also shared a photo of herself with Pelosi, calling Pelosi the "best to ever do it."

"Thank you, Madam Speaker," Clinton tweeted.

Majority Leader Hoyer Steps Down, Endorses Hakeem Jeffries

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer will step down from Democratic leadership, following in the footsteps of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

"I believe that it is time for me, however, to continue my service in a different role. Therefore, I have decided not to seek elected leadership in the 118th Congress," he said in a letter to his Democratic colleagues.

He said it is time for a new generation of leaders and gave his endorsement to New York Representative Hakeem Jeffries for Democratic Leader.

"[Jeffries] is a skilled and capable leader who will help us win back the Majority in 2024 as we strive to continue delivering on our promises to the American people," Hoyer said, adding that Jefferies will "make history" in this role.

He said he looks forward to serving as a resource to Jefferies and the rest of the Democratic leadership and "in whatever capacity I can best be of assistance as we move forward together to address the nation's challenges."

Hoyer intends to continue his service in Congress and return as a member of the Appropriations Committee.

In the letter, Hoyer lauded the accomplishments of the Democrat-led House, including passing legislation to curb gun violence, address inflation, reopen communities after COVID-19 and create jobs.

"The 117th Congress was one of great accomplishment for the prosperity and security of every American," he said. "We should all be proud of what we Democrats did over the past two years."

Pelosi Calls Husband Paul 'My Pillar of Support'

Nancy Pelosi thanked her husband, Paul, in her Thursday speech on the House floor, during which she announced she will not seek re-election to a position within the Democratic Party's House leadership.

Pelosi said many of the things her colleagues have achieved in Congress "could not have been done" without support from their families. She then shifted her remarks to her own family.

"For my dear husband Paul, who has been my beloved partner in life and my pillar of support, thank you. We're all grateful for all the prayers and well wishes as he continues his recovery," Pelosi said, referring to the intruder who entered their San Francisco home last month and attacked her husband with a hammer.

The chamber erupted in a standing ovation at the mention of Paul Pelosi's recovery. Members of Congress continued clapping for more than 30 seconds before retaking their seats so that Pelosi could continue speaking. Pelosi went on to mention her children and grandchildren, all of whom she said "are the joys of our lives" and are "a comfort to us at this time."

Pelosi Says Congress Faces 'Urgent' Questions of Democracy

In her speech Thursday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke about the fragility of our nation's democracy and the task ahead for the incoming Congress.

"Indeed, American democracy is majestic, but it is fragile," she said, adding that many members witnessed that fragility in this chamber first-hand on Jan. 6 2021.

"Democracy must be forever defended from forces that wish it harm," she said.

In last week's midterm elections, Pelosi said the American people spoke in defense of liberty, rule of law and democracy itself and rejected violence and insurrection.

"Now we owe to the American people our very best to deliver on their faith to forever reach for the more perfect union. The glorious horizon that our founders promised," she said.

Pelosi said members of Congress face "urgent" questions regarding the "ideals the House was charged by the Constitution to preserve and protect."

She said lawmakers must establish justice, domestic tranquility, shared defense, general welfare and the blessings of liberty for the American people and the next generation.

"Our decision will determine their future," she said.

While House members may disagree on police, Pelosi said they must remain committed to their shared mission to "hold strong to democratic ideals" and "put the country first."

Biden Calls Pelosi 'Most Consequential Speaker' in House History

President Joe Biden called Nancy Pelosi the "most consequential Speaker of the House of Representatives" in U.S. history, following her announcement Thursday that she is stepping down from Democratic leadership.

Biden reflected on Pelosi's milestones and achievements during her tenure in Congress, including becoming the first female Speaker in the House's history.

Biden's Full Statement:

"When I think of Nancy Pelosi, I think of dignity.

History will note she is the most consequential Speaker of the House of Representatives in our history. There are countless examples of how she embodies the obligation of elected officials to uphold their oath to God and country to ensure our democracy delivers and remains a beacon to the world. In everything she does, she reflects a dignity in her actions and a dignity she sees in the lives of the people of this nation.

In 2007, she made history as the first woman Speaker, but that was just the beginning of the history she has made during her four terms. I know because I've seen her in action during my career as Senator, Vice President, and now as President. With Nancy, you see a father's daughter who learned by his side how to win and govern. With her leading the way, you never worry about whether a bill will pass. If she says she has the votes, she has the votes. Every time.

History will record her leadership with President Obama to rescue the economy in crisis from the Great Recession. With her sheer will, passing the Affordable Care Act to ensure health care is a right not a privilege. Ending Don't Ask Don't Tell so patriotic Americans can serve the country they love no matter who they love. The list goes on, including her leadership in defending democracy and advancing human rights around the world.

In the first two years of my presidency, she is a singular force securing once-in-a-generation bills that will define our nation for decades to come. The American Rescue Plan to get us through COVID-19. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to rebuild our roads and bridges. The CHIPS and Science Act to ensure the most advanced manufacturing is done here in America. The most significant gun safety law in nearly thirty years – for the children. One of the most significant bills helping veterans and their families exposed to toxic materials. And, the Inflation Reduction Act that took on Big Pharma and won, and reflects the most aggressive action ever to tackle the climate crisis.

Because of Nancy Pelosi, the lives of millions and millions of Americans are better, even in districts represented by Republicans who voted against her bills and too often vilify her. That's Nancy – always working for the dignity of all of the people. And, as a fierce defender of democracy through our laws, history will also note her fierceness and resolve to protect our democracy from the violent, deadly insurrection of January 6th. It's a threat of political violence and intimidation that continues and she and her family know all too well, but that will never stop her from serving our nation.

She might be stepping down from her leadership role in the House Democratic Caucus, but she will never waiver in protecting our sacred democracy.

Nancy Pelosi is first, last, and always for the people. Jill and I count Nancy, Paul, and their family among our dearest friends. As a nation, we owe her a deep debt of gratitude for her service, her patriotism, and above all, her absolute dignity."

Pelosi Reflects on 35 Years of Growth for Women

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House of Representatives has grown "more reflective of our great nation" in her 35 years as a member of Congress, particularly in terms of the number of women in the House.

During a speech on the House floor Thursday, Pelosi said there were only 12 Democratic women in the House when she first began representing California in the chamber in 1987.

"Now there are over 90," Pelosi said. "And we want more."

She said the new members of Congress who will join the Democratic caucus "will be 75% women, people of color [and] LGBTQ."

"We have brought more voices to the decision-making table," Pelosi said.

Pelosi Recalls First Visit to House Floor at 6 Years Old

Speaker Nancy Pelosi began her speech Thursday by sharing the story of the first time she visited the U.S. Capitol.

Pelosi said she stood on the floor at six years old to witness her father, Maryland Representative Thomas D'Alesandro, sworn in for his fifth term in office.

"When I first came to floor at six years old, I never thought homemaker to House Speaker," she said.

She recalled seeing the "stunning white building" with its "magnificent dome."

"This is the most beautiful building in the world because of what it represents," Pelosi said, calling it a "temple" for democracy, the U.S. Constitution and the highest ideals of our nation.

She said her and every Representative who has taken the sacred oath of office are linked by the "highest aspirations."

Democrats Fill Chamber for Pelosi's Speech

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi just wrapped up her remarks on the House floor, recapping her 35 years serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.

She spoke for about 15 minutes, making a major announcement that she will not run for another position in Democratic leadership. Democrats filled their side of the chamber for Pelosi's speech.

Pelosi Will Not Seek Leadership Re-Election

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that she is stepping down from Democratic leadership, saying she will not seek re-election.

"The hour has come for a new generation to lead the Democratic caucus I so deeply respect," she said on the House floor Thursday.

Pelosi added that she is will continue to serve as the Democratic Representative for the people of San Francisco, CA.

Pelosi Greeted by Dems With Standing Ovation

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was welcomed into the House chamber with a standing ovation and cheers from her Democratic colleagues.

Despite her calls for order, Pelosi's fellow Democratic lawmakers continued their cheers.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is also present in the House to hear Pelosi's remarks. While the Democratic side of the chamber is packed, reporters inside the House say the Republican side is mostly empty.

Pelosi's Unfavorable Polling at 93% Among GOP

A CBS News exit poll shared Thursday reveals a wide gap in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's favorability rating between Democratic and Republican voters.

According to the national exit poll's results, 77 percent of Democratic voters told pollsters they had a "favorable" view of Pelosi, but only 5 percent of Republican voters shared that view. In contrast, 93 percent of GOP voters said they had an "unfavorable" view of Pelosi, compared with 16 percent of Democrats. Only 7 percent of Democrats and 1 percent of Republicans said they had "no opinion" on Pelosi.

The poll's results come as the Democratic House speaker is set to lose control over the chamber. Republicans won back enough seats during the midterm elections last week to retake control of the House, which means a new GOP speaker will be appointed in January.

Pelosi is expected to "address her future plans" during a short speech on the House floor at noon on Thursday.

WATCH: Pelosi Makes 'Major' Announcement on House Floor

Pelosi Arrives for Announcement

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has arrived at the U.S. Capitol ahead of her speech Thursday afternoon.

She is reportedly joined by her two daughters.

After opening the House at noon today, Pelosi will deliver remarks to her colleagues on the House Floor at approximately 12:10 p.m., according to Pelosi's Chief of Staff Drew Hammill.

Hammill said the Speaker will announce her "future plans" following the Republicans flipping the House.

He added that Pelosi took home two versions of her speech Wednesday night. Despite reports of Pelosi's decision, Hammill said no one knows what she will announce this afternoon.

"Anybody who tells you they know what she will do is a liar," he said in a tweet.

Lindsey Graham to Testify Today in GA 2020 Probe

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham is scheduled to appear Thursday before a grand jury investigating allegations of election interference in Georgia related to the 2020 presidential election.

The investigation stems from a call former President Donald Trump made to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in early 2021, a recording of which was later leaked. During the call, Trump urged Raffensperger to "find" votes that he suggested could alter the outcome of the election in Georgia, a state Trump lost.

An investigation into the call began in Fulton County a few weeks after Trump's call to Raffensperger. More than a year later, Graham, an ally of Trump's, was subpoenaed in July to testify before the grand jury regarding calls he made to Georgia's top election official in late 2020. The subpoena questioned whether Graham's calls were part of an effort to "explore the possibility of a more favorable outcome" for Trump in Georgia. Graham has denied allegations of wrongdoing related to the calls.

Graham used multiple tactics to throw out the subpoena, but an order issued earlier this month by the U.S. Supreme Court allowed his testimony to move forward. His testimony was scheduled to begin on Thursday.

House Republicans to Investigate Hunter Biden

House Republicans announced they will launch an investigation into Hunter Biden's business dealings and the president's involvement.

Republicans said they have evidence that President Joe Biden was involved in "Biden family business schemes."

During a press conference Thursday, Representative James Comer of Kentucky said that President Biden's financial records were possibly shared with his son Hunter's that raised concerns by banks of "suspicious or illegal activities."

Comer, the GOP Leader of the House Oversight Committee, said the probe will determine whether the president is a "national security risk" and whether he is "compromised by foreign governments."

"We want to know what the Biden administration is trying to hide from the American people," he said.

Ohio Representative Jim Jordan also blasted the media for suppressing coverage of Hunter Biden's laptop, labeling it "Russian disinformation" ahead of the 2020 election.

"I think there are all kinds of questions that need to be answered," he said during the press conference.

He also promised to investigate the possible politicization of the FBI and Justice Department to allegedly cover up the story.

Representative Kevin McCarthy, who will likely become the new Speaker of the House, said "real accountability is coming" now that Republicans have the majority in the House.

Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas said oversight is "one of the most important consequences of Republicans taking the House."

"It's very important that we finally have Congressional oversight of the abuses of this administration," he said on Newsmax Thursday following the House GOP press conference.

He adds that this investigation should focus on President Biden's corruption and how he politicized the DOJ to go after his enemies.

"The real issues, and the focus of what Congressional inquiry should be, is on the official corruption, on the evidence that Joe Biden was part and parcel involved in official corruption," Cruz said.

Pelosi to Address 'Future Plans' As GOP Flips House

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is set to announce her "future plans" Thursday, the day after Republicans flipped the House.

The 82-year-old California Democrat is expected to reveal her "future plans" to colleagues on the House floor at noon, according to Pelosi's Chief of Staff Drew Hammill.

"[Pelosi] has been overwhelmed by calls from colleagues, friends and supporters," he said in a tweet Wednesday. "The Speaker plans to address her future plans [Thursday] to her colleagues. Stay tuned."

Some are speculating that the Speaker will step down from Democratic leadership, allowing a new Representative to become the Minority Leader in the House. New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries is reportedly in talks to possible succeed Pelosi.

Pelosi reportedly did not attend the House Democrats whip meeting Thursday morning. He weekly briefing appears to have been canceled ahead of her House address.

The House address will stream live on C-SPAN at 12:00 p.m. ET.