Andy Biggs to challenge Kevin McCarthy for speaker on House floor

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Rep. Andy Biggs announced Tuesday that he would challenge Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy for speaker on the House floor in January. 

Biggs, R-Ariz., announced his intention to oppose McCarthy in an op-ed with the Daily Caller.

"We cannot let this all too rare opportunity to effectuate structural change pass us by because it is uncomfortable to challenge the Republican candidate who is a creature of the establishment status quo, or because the challenge is accompanied by some minimal risk," wrote Biggs. 

The Arizona hardliner previously challenged McCarthy in the contest designating the GOP's candidate for speaker. Biggs was defeated by a margin of 188 to 31. 

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"We cannot let this all too rare opportunity to effectuate structural change pass us by because it is uncomfortable to challenge the Republican candidate who is a creature of the establishment status quo, or because the challenge is accompanied by some minimal risk," wrote Arizona Republican Rep. Andy Biggs. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Since the vote, Biggs and four other Republicans have pledged to vote against McCarthy on the house floor in January. The opposition is potentially problematic given that the GOP is slated to hold a narrow 222-213 majority next year, and at least 218 votes are needed to become speaker.

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Biggs' candidacy is largely seen as an opportunity to showcase that McCarthy cannot get the 218 votes required to be speaker. McCarthy's opponents say that once that reality becomes clear, other alternatives will step up. 

Allies of Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy note there is no public alternative to the California Republican.  (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

"This is a process-of-elimination exercise," said Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla. "Right now, any five people for any reason or no reason at all can determine that they have veto power."

Allies of McCarthy note, however, that there is no viable alternative to the California Republican.

"There is no viable alternative to Kevin McCarthy. He has led us to the majority," said Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif. (Reuters/Mike Blake)

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"There is no viable alternative to Kevin McCarthy. He has led us to the majority," said Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif. "He has led from the legitimate center of our party, respecting people to his left and to his right. And that's the definition of what we want in a speaker."

Fox News' Kelly Laco contributed to this report.