WASHINGTON — As the Speaker of the House remains vacant amid upheaval among House Republicans, Georgia Congressman Austin Scott (GA-8) has announced his bid for the seat.

“I have filed to be Speaker of the House,” Austin posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, just before 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 13. “We are in Washington to legislate, and I want to lead a House that functions in the best interest of the American people.”

The Associated Press reports that Republicans were convening behind closed doors Friday amid Scott’s announcement. Republicans are trying to replace former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted from the role Oct. 3 in a 216-210 vote. Eight Republicans voted to oust him.

Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, the Judiciary Committee chairman, is the front-running contender for the speakership. Majority Leader Steve Scalise abruptly ended his bid for speaker when it became clear hardline holdouts refused to back him, the AP reports.

After Scott’s announcement, several of fellow Republicans in Georgia voiced their support for his opponent.

“Jim Jordan for Speaker!” Ga. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14) posted on X just before 1 p.m.

At 1:07 p.m. Ga. U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) posted: “I am working to advance Jim Jordan as the next Speaker of the House and I encourage my colleagues to support him as well.”

Next steps remained uncertain Friday afternoon as the House is essentially closed while the Republican majority is expected to convene again in the afternoon for the internal nominating speeches to elect a speaker.

—The Associated Press contributed to this report.