In a turbulent turn of events, the House of Representatives finds itself in disarray, entering its 10th day without a speaker. This leadership crisis was triggered after a group of GOP lawmakers ousted former Speaker Rep. Kevin McCarthy from his position. The aftermath has left the lower chamber paralyzed, unable to make any legislative progress. House Republicans, despite their narrow four-seat majority, have been grappling to select a new speaker, causing ongoing chaos and division within the party.
Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, talks with reporters following a conference in his office after losing the Republican nomination for speaker to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023
The House Republican conference’s internal divisions came to the forefront during an evening session when House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Louisiana, unexpectedly withdrew from the Speaker’s race. This decision was made even though Scalise had received the formal nomination from the conference just a day prior. The internal secret ballot vote favored Scalise over his opponent, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, with a tally of 113-99.
Shortly after Scalise’s nomination, it became evident that he lacked the crucial support required to unite House Republicans. Many viewed his potential leadership as a continuation of the status quo that existed under McCarthy’s tenure, contributing to his eventual withdrawal from the race. As Scalise stepped aside, momentum shifted towards Jim Jordan, despite his earlier loss in the nomination. Rep. Jim Jordan is now widely perceived as the leading contender for the Speaker of the House position, but the extent of his ability to secure sufficient support remains to be determined.
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
The urgency to select a new speaker is mounting as the government faces the looming threat of a shutdown, while the U.S. finds itself in a critical situation with Israel, a key ally, engaged in a rapidly escalating conflict against Hamas terrorists.
Jim Jordan’s potential ascent to the speakership represents a remarkable turnaround for the Ohio Republican. When he entered Congress in 2007, he was known as a conservative firebrand who frequently challenged GOP leadership, making him a contentious figure within the party. Jordan was also a founding member of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus and served as its inaugural chair.
A close ally of former President Donald Trump, Jim Jordan notably refused to certify President Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election. As the chair of the influential Judiciary Committee, Jordan is one of the key figures leading House Republicans’ impeachment inquiry into President Biden. Despite his hard-right conservative background, Jordan has gradually aligned himself with GOP leadership, notably supporting McCarthy’s bid for the speakership in January during the tumultuous 15-ballot pursuit for the gavel.
This situation is rapidly evolving, and further updates will be provided as events unfold.
