Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) failed to secure enough support in three House floor votes to become the Speaker of the House. After these unsuccessful attempts, Republican lawmakers opted to drop Jordan as their nominee during a secret ballot in a Republican conference meeting, with 112 members opposing his nomination compared to 86 in favor. A new candidate forum is scheduled for Monday to select an alternative nominee.
This marks the second time that the GOP’s nominee has faced a setback in the 17 days since Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was removed from the speaker position. In the previous week, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) abandoned his nomination due to opposition from a small group of Republicans.
During these three rounds of voting, the number of GOP members opposing Jordan’s candidacy increased from 20 to 25. Democrats supported their nominee, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), but no candidate secured the required simple majority in the chamber.
In a last-ditch effort, Republicans who voted to remove McCarthy as speaker sent a letter offering to accept censure, suspension, or removal from the conference if it led to Jordan’s election as the speaker. However, the conference did not support Jordan as their nominee.
The urgency to reach a resolution is driven by concerns of a potential government shutdown in mid-November without a spending deal and a desire to address the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Members have also considered a resolution to give Patrick McHenry (R-NC), serving as speaker pro tempore, expanded authority to conduct legislative business. Jordan supported this proposal, but some Republicans oppose it, citing concerns about precedent, constitutionality, and the need for bipartisan concessions.
Jordan, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, had the support of many Republicans, including McCarthy, Scalise, and Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who initiated the vote of no confidence against McCarthy.
Now, a Republican candidate forum is scheduled for Monday evening, with a nomination ballot following on Tuesday morning. The goal is to hold another House floor vote as early as Tuesday.
Several Republican lawmakers have already announced their candidacy for the Speaker of the House, including Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA), Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK), and Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI). Other potential contenders being discussed include Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX), Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green (R-TN), Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA), Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA), and Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL).