Since Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was ousted from his role as Speaker of the House, Republicans have been wrestling with the determination of who will be his replacement. 

In a secret conference vote Tuesday, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) edged out House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-OH) for the nomination 113-99. But after that vote, Scalise struggled to secure the 217 votes needed to win in a full House vote. 

Thursday evening, news broke that Scalise was taking his name out of the running. Now, Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA) has thrown his name into the mix to challenge Jordan for the Speaker's gavel. 

🚨NEWS -- REP. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia has filed to run for the GOP nomination for speaker.

It will be SCOTT vs. JORDAN.

— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) October 13, 2023

Scott himself confirmed his bid on X late Friday morning: 

I have filed to be Speaker of the House. We are in Washington to legislate, and I want to lead a House that functions in the best interest of the American people.

— Rep. Austin Scott (@AustinScottGA08) October 13, 2023

Said Scott: 

I have filed to be Speaker of the House. We are in Washington to legislate, and I want to lead a House that functions in the best interest of the American people.

Here's some added insight as to Scott's motivation to enter the contest: 

Scott, an ally of Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.), informed reporters he would not support Jordan on Thursday after allies of the majority leader felt Jordan and his allies unfairly blocked the No. 2 House Republican from the gavel.

Some believe Scott’s entry into the race is designed to simply pull over Jordan critics and give the House GOP conference another choice.

“Translation: The number of people who vote for Austin will be a slightly overstated proxy for the Never Jordan people. … Others are keeping their powder dry until Jordan realizes he has no path to 217,” said one House Republican, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Despite the insistence of some House members that they will not support him, Jordan was still projecting confidence he can unite the conference heading into Friday afternoon's candidate forum. 

House Republicans will cast ballots for the next speaker in a candidate forum Friday afternoon -- now with two candidates: Rep. Jim Jordan and Rep. Austin Scott. It's the latest in a speakership battle riddled with chaos and uncertainty.

Jordan is working to get enough votes to secure the top spot after Rep. Steve Scalise backed out of the race Thursday night. On Friday afternoon, Scott, R-Ga., a member of the Armed Services Committee who has been close to GOP leaders, filed to run for speaker against Jordan, according to members familiar with his intentions.

The candidate forum, which is slated to happen at 1 p.m. Friday, will show how many House Republicans support Jordan's quest for the gavel before an official vote on the House floor. Some lawmakers have left town and are being called back to cast their votes. Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy told ABC News that Jordan has his vote.

This is a developing story. We'll have more to share once the forum concludes.