A day after Rep. Kevin McCarthy was removed as House speaker, two high-profile Republicans announced Wednesday they are running to replace him. 

Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana each issued “Dear Colleague” letters to House Republicans asking for their support.

“We are at a critical crossroad in our nation’s history,” Jordan wrote. “Now is the time for our Republican conference to come together to keep our promises to Americans. The problems we face are challenging, but they are not insurmountable.

“We can focus on the changes that improve the country and unite us in offering real solutions. But no matter what we do, we must do it together as a conference. I respectfully ask for your support for Speaker of the House of Representatives.”

Jordan, 59, touted his work in passing immigration and border legislation, conducting oversight of the Biden administration and pushing for fiscal discipline.

Meanwhile, Scalise, who turns 58 on Friday, argued he has a proven track record in bringing together diverse viewpoints and building consensus. 

“I know the coming weeks ahead will be some of the most arduous times we will face together, but this Conference is worth fighting for – we cannot lose sight of our shared mission,” Scalise wrote. “Now, more than ever, we must mend the deep wounds that exist within our Conference and focus on our objectives so we can get back to work for the millions of people who are counting on us.”

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La. (AP Photo, File)

Scalise also referenced the 2017 shooting by a left-wing extremist during a congressional baseball practice that nearly cost him his life.

“During that time, I was often asked why after nearly losing my life because of this job I would want to go back,” he wrote. “But it was never a question for me: I love this country, and I believe we were sent here to come together and solve the immense challenges we face.

“God already gave me another chance at life,” added Scalise, who is currently battling multiple myeloma, a blood cancer. “I believe we were all put here for a purpose. This next chapter won’t be easy, but I know what it takes to fight and I am prepared for the battles that lie ahead. I humbly ask you for your support on this mission to be your Speaker of the House.”

Jordan has served in the House since 2007. He currently chairs the Judiciary Committee, one of three panels involved in an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, and the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government. 

Jordan was also a founding chairman of the far-right Freedom Caucus.

Rep. Mike Carey, R-Ohio, quickly issued a statement Wednesday endorsing Jordan.

“Jim Jordan is a proven conservative fighter who can continue delivering on our commitment to America,” Carey said.

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., began calling for Jordan to enter the race soon after McCarthy was voted out.

Scalise was first elected to the House in 2008 and has been in House Republican leadership since 2014. He was elected majority leader in January. 

In an interview with Fox Business on Wednesday, Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, said Scalise is the leader House Republicans need. 

“He knows how to deal with a rough and rowdy House,” Gonzales said. “He’s exactly the steady hand that House Republicans need to get this country back on track. He has a lot of members that will walk through fire for him, me being one of them.”

Rep. Lisa McLain, R-Mich., wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Our next Speaker should be someone with top-notch leadership skills and great experience. That someone is @SteveScalise, and I am proud to support him for Speaker.”

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who made the motion that led to McCarthy’s ouster, said Tuesday that Scalise is “the type of person that I could see myself supporting.” But Gaetz unsuccessfully urged Jordan to pursue the speakership in January and nominated him anyway. In making the nomination, Gaetz called Jordan “the most talented, hardest working member of the Republican Conference.”

No one else has announced their bids for the speakership, although Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., suggested in an interview with Newsmax on Tuesday night that he might run.