Jordan Remains Committed to House Speakership Race, but Temporary Speaker Plan Meets Resistance

25

Despite sustained efforts, Rep. Jim Jordan communicated to his GOP colleagues on Thursday that he has not abandoned his pursuit of the House Speaker role, leaving the party with limited alternatives. This comes after his staunch supporters rejected an initiative aimed at broadening the temporary speaker’s authority to reconvene the House.

Jordan conveyed his decision during a contentious, private meeting held at the Capitol. During this meeting, the Republican majority was contemplating an exceptional measure that would empower the acting Speaker Pro Tempore with increased responsibilities for several forthcoming months to reconvene the House and conduct essential legislative activities. This is according to anonymous Republicans who were privy to the discussions.

Neither of the two options appears to be immediately feasible. Moderate Republicans, who have twice declined to back Jordan, remain disinclined to do so, particularly in light of reports of intimidation and even death threats from his supporters. Concurrently, Jordan’s right-wing allies are not amenable to the idea of an interim speaker acquiring enhanced powers.

The enduring deadlock threatens to indefinitely halt House proceedings, following the extraordinary removal of Kevin McCarthy from the Speaker position.

Jordan, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee and founder of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus, stated, “I remain committed to the speakership race and aim to secure sufficient votes to emerge victorious.”

The meeting on Thursday was tense, with various Republican factions pointing fingers at each other for plunging their majority into disarray.

In an episode during the meeting, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida was interrupted by McCarthy when attempting to speak, asserting that it wasn’t Gaetz’s turn to talk.

Amidst the ongoing disarray, Rep. Patrick McHenry, the temporary House leader, has been in discussions with Jordan. Republicans had considered elevating McHenry to an enhanced role of Speaker temporarily, but this idea found little traction.

Legislative activity remained stalled on Thursday, casting uncertainty over the House’s immediate agenda.

Growing frustration among Republican ranks is apparent, with increasing realization setting in that the House may remain at a standstill for an extended period, escalating the Republican majority’s disarray.

Rep. Tom Cole, a seasoned Republican legislator, commented, “We are exploring ways to resolve this through a GOP-centric solution, which is customary for normal majorities. Unfortunately, this majority has proven to be anything but normal.”

Efforts to expand McHenry’s powers as Speaker have been largely unsuccessful, and he himself has downplayed any ambition for a permanent role, stating that his objective is to facilitate the election of the next Speaker.

As the Republicans struggle to identify a path forward, looming over them is a mid-November deadline for congressional funding, which, if not met, could result in a federal government shutdown.

It is increasingly apparent that Jordan’s prospects of attaining the Speaker role are diminishing. He lost a crucial second ballot on Wednesday, with even more Republicans opposing him than in the first round.

While Jordan has received support from influential figures within the party, including former President Trump, it has been insufficient to sway the necessary number of GOP votes. Several lawmakers reported receiving death threats as a result of not supporting him.

“The feasible way out is for Jim Jordan to withdraw his candidacy,” stated Rep. Don Bacon, who voted against him twice.

With a narrow Republican majority in the House, it seems improbable that any GOP candidate could secure the required number of votes for the speakership.

The idea of elevating the interim Speaker’s role had received some high-profile backing, including from former GOP Speakers Newt Gingrich and John Boehner, but even this appears to be losing momentum as Republican unity remains elusive.

Jordan, a committed ally of former President Trump, particularly during the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, has been in office since 2006 but has few legislative achievements. He also faces scrutiny related to his past, including allegations related to his tenure as an assistant wrestling coach at Ohio State University, which he has denied.

Contributions to this report were made by Kevin Freking and Mary Clare Jalonick of Big Big News.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about House Speaker race

More about House Speaker race

• Jim Jordan’s Congressional Profile
• Overview of the House Freedom Caucus
• The Role of the House Speaker
• Profile of Rep. Patrick McHenry
• Understanding the Congressional Funding Deadline
• Allegations Against Jim Jordan Explained
• The Trump-Jordan Connection
• Former Speakers Gingrich and Boehner’s Take on the Situation
• The Republican Majority in the House
• Kevin McCarthy’s Ouster as Speaker