Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs is planning to contest current House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy for the position of Speaker of the House Representatives — a decision that is going to be made when the conservative House Freedom Caucus convenes Tuesday to choose its nominee. 

“Andy Biggs will be a candidate,” said Rep. Bob Good of Virginia, who has openly pledged his support to Biggs. “He will announce tomorrow.” The conservative House Freedom Caucus has been divided on whether McCarthy deserves their support.

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A GOP House source said that Biggs is “planning on challenging McCarthy tomorrow.” One Freedom Caucus aide said that there has been private chatter within the caucus that repeatedly stated that Biggs would be the candidate.

Shortly after this rumor went public, Biggs confirmed that he would run for the House Speaker. 

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Although the race for Senate has been called in favor of the Democrats, it is not yet certain which party will take charge of the House, as races continue to be called.

However, most political pundits believe Republicans are likely to seize control, though Democrats still have a small chance to keep it. If we consider a Republican win,  McCarthy is widely expected to win the Republican nomination for speaker when the GOP caucus votes Tuesday.

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However, Biggs’ challenge could suggest that McCarthy might not be able to hold on to sufficient GOP votes in January with the full House votes for speaker. Even if the GOP manages to hold on to the House, the majority will be a slim one. As a result, McCarthy will need nearly all of his caucus to back him in January.

He could be deprived of the House majority he needs to be elected  by just a few defections.