WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio, a stalwart figure in conservative politics, is on the brink of securing enough votes to become the next speaker of the House. The conclusive vote is slated for Tuesday at noon.
After the ousting of former U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was voted out on October 3rd for negotiating a deal with Democrats to avert a government shutdown, the House has been without a speaker for three weeks. A day after McCarthy’s exit, on October 4th, Jordan announced his intention to run for the esteemed position.
In an effort to unify his party members, Jordan, in a letter dispatched to his colleagues on Monday, emphasized, “the principles that unite us as Republicans are far greater than the disagreements that divide us.”
His path to the speakership was challenged when Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) unexpectedly threw his hat in the ring as an alternative to Jordan. Nevertheless, Jordan emerged triumphant against Scott.
The days leading up to the decisive vote have been intense for Jordan and his supporters, as they have been ardently trying to persuade the undecided members to join their camp.
To clinch the speakership, Jordan requires 217 votes, essentially the entire House GOP majority’s backing. However, during a caucus vote held on Friday, he fell short by over 50 votes. On the Democratic side, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) is anticipated to be their preferred choice.
A seasoned politician, Jordan has been serving Ohio’s 4th congressional district since 2007 and presently holds the chair of the House Judiciary Committee.