Jim Jordan has received the official nomination as the Republican Party’s choice for Speaker, beating Austin Scott (R-GA) – a Steve Scalise ally – with a vote of 124-81.
Earlier Friday, Breaking Digest reported that Jim Jordan re-entered the race after Steve Scalise dropped out of the competition on Thursday night.
Scott launched a last minute bid for speaker in an attempt to block Jim Jordan.
BREAKING: The House Republican conference has voted to nominate @Jim_Jordan Speaker of the House on a vote of 124-81.
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) October 13, 2023
It's completely ridiculous how many Republicans voted against him. These votes should not be kept secret.
Jordan will now compete against Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), provided he can secure sufficient support. The Hill points out that this may pose a challenge, however.
He “secured” the vote with a margin of 152-55, falling short by 65 votes to achieve a majority.
BREAKING — JIM JORDAN wins validation vote 152-55
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) October 13, 2023
WAY short of a total to be in a position to go to the floor.
He's 65 votes short of 217.
Jordan’s tenure as the head of the staunchly conservative House Freedom Caucus bolstered his position as a formidable contender, despite reservations from moderate GOP members.
Jordan garnered increasing support, as seen in endorsements like that from Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC), a close ally of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). Hudson emphasized that rallying behind the conservative stalwart is the “best chance to stop [President Joe] Biden.”
I believe Jim Jordan is the person who should lead us. The House Republican Majority is the last best chance to stop Biden and the anti-American liberals who are dragging this country down. We must unite behind one leader with the integrity, the ability and the vision to lead us. I believe Jim Jordan is that leader and I ask my colleagues to join me now.
— Rep. Richard Hudson (@RepRichHudson) October 13, 2023
However, the prospect of a House floor vote today is uncertain, given that Jordan only obtained 124 votes within the conference, and obstacles remain, according to reports by Punchbowl News’ Jake Sherman.
When thinking about Jordan's chances of becoming speaker here, keep in mind two things:
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) October 13, 2023
– He increased his vote total by just 24
– Austin Scott got in minutes before the race and said he didn't want to be speaker and he got 81 votes.
I cannot see how they bring this to the floor…
Other lawmakers, initially upset by McCarthy’s removal, are beginning to come around. Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID), who had previously stated he would never support Rep. Jordan under any circumstances, now reconsidering his position.
Yesterday …
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) October 13, 2023
Q: Would you ever support Jordan under any scenario.
Simpson: "No."
Today …. https://t.co/5qxaaYWfTM
On Thursday, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) switched his support from Scalise to Jordan, taking the opportunity to criticize former Speaker Paul Ryan for growing the national deficit and debt during his time as Speaker. This move followed Ryan’s public criticism of Gaetz for his role in Rep. McCarthy’s removal from the position of Speaker.
Paul Ryan is a FAILED House Speaker who grew our deficit and debt. No wonder he has great empathy for Kevin McCarthy.
It’s Jim Jordan Time!
Paul Ryan is a FAILED House Speaker who grew our deficit and debt. No wonder he has great empathy for Kevin McCarthy.
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) October 13, 2023
It’s Jim Jordan Time! pic.twitter.com/ZYU4UE2iu4
On Friday, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) said he is wading into the House’s dispute for the first time because Rep. Jordan is a “good friend and strong conservative.”
For years, I've stayed out of House leadership elections, but this time I endorsed @Jim_Jordan. Jim is a good friend and a strong conservative.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) October 13, 2023
My philosophy on political endorsements is to support the strongest conservative who can win. That is Jim Jordan.
