Two top members of Republican leadership have been lobbying for the position of Speaker if Paul Ryan Paul Davis RyanKenosha will be a good bellwether in 2020 At indoor rally, Pence says election runs through Wisconsin Juan Williams: Breaking down the debates MORE (R-Wis.) decides to step down, Politico reported Monday.

Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy Kevin Owen McCarthyMcCarthy's Democratic challenger to launch first TV ad highlighting Air Force service as single mother Trump asked Chamber of Commerce to reconsider Democratic endorsements: report The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by The Air Line Pilots Association - White House moves closer to Pelosi on virus relief bill MORE (Calif.) and Majority Whip Steve Scalise Stephen (Steve) Joseph ScaliseHouse GOP slated to unveil agenda ahead of election House panel details 'serious' concerns around Florida, Georgia, Texas, Wisconsin elections Scalise hit with ethics complaint over doctored Barkan video MORE (La.) have been courting other Republicans for support, according to interviews with 20 Republican lawmakers and staff the news outlet conducted.

Both men downplayed the report and Scalise told Politico he would not challenge McCarthy for Speaker.

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President Trump Donald John TrumpBubba Wallace to be driver of Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin NASCAR team Graham: GOP will confirm Trump's Supreme Court nominee before the election Southwest Airlines, unions call for six-month extension of government aid MORE is reportedly fond of McCarthy and his endorsement could help solidify support among conservatives. The two met for dinner last Wednesday.

Some Republicans told Politico that the relationship would help ensure McCathy’s path to victory, unlike his unsuccessful bid for Speaker in 2015.

“It’s McCarthy’s to lose,” a GOP lawmaker close with McCarthy told the news outlet. “I think he’s in a lot stronger place than last time because he’s got a close relationship with Trump.”

McCarthy, however, would face opposition from members of the House Freedom Caucus who view Ryan and his predecessor, former Speaker John Boehner John Andrew BoehnerLongtime House parliamentarian to step down Five things we learned from this year's primaries Bad blood between Pelosi, Meadows complicates coronavirus talks MORE (R-Ohio), as weak on the conservative position, Politico noted.

“He’s not Speaker now because he’s got a fairly liberal Republican track record,” Rep. Mo Brooks Morris (Mo) Jackson BrooksOvernight Defense: Trump hosts Israel, UAE, Bahrain for historic signing l Air Force reveals it secretly built and flew new fighter jet l Coronavirus creates delay in Pentagon research for alternative to 'forever chemicals' OVERNIGHT ENERGY: House Democrats tee up vote on climate-focused energy bill next week | EPA reappoints controversial leader to air quality advisory committee | Coronavirus creates delay in Pentagon research for alternative to 'forever chemicals' Coronavirus creates delay in Pentagon research for alternative to 'forever chemicals,' official says MORE (R-Ala.), a Freedom Caucus member, told a local Alabama radio station last month, it added.

Brooks said Scalise is better suited for the role. The majority whip is also viewed as a “heroic figure” after he was shot last summer during a baseball practice, the Alabama lawmaker noted.

Ryan’s team has denied he is resigning anytime soon and McCarthy said his only focus right now is maintaining the Republican majority in the House and pushing Trump’s agenda.

“Paul Ryan is our Speaker and I hope he is our speaker for a very long time,” McCarthy said in a statement.