Republican Congressman Jim Jordan of Ohio has entered the race for Speaker of the House, raising questions about his ability to lead the chamber and unite the Republican Party.
A spokesman for the lawmaker confirmed Jordan’s plans to The Daily Wire on Wednesday, less than a day after the chamber ousted Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) from the position.
Eight Republicans joined with Democrats to vote against McCarthy, citing frustrations with his leadership: Gaetz, Andy Biggs (AZ), Ken Buck (CO), Eli Crane (AZ), Bob Good (VA), Matt Rosendale (MT), Tim Burchett (TN), and Nancy Mace (SC).
The Washington Examiner reported that Jordan said after coming out of the speaker’s office, “I’ve had a lot of people reach out to us, asking me to do it, because I think we can. We’ll see if that happens, but I think I can.”
A number of Republicans have already voiced support for Jordan as a candidate.
“My first choice if he will run,” Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) said in a post to X.
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), the congressman who led the effort to remove McCarthy as speaker, also indicated he would back Jordan.
“My mentor Jim Jordan would be great!” Gaetz said.
While being interviewed by Fox News host Sean Hannity on Tuesday night, Jordan was asked about rumors that former President Donald Trump had been “contacted” about becoming an “interim” speaker.
Jordan said Trump would be “great” but emphasized that he wants Trump to be the next president. Trump is running a 2024 campaign for a second term in the White House.
The speaker does not have to be a member of Congress, though no speaker has ever assumed the role without holding a seat.
Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) became temporary speaker as lawmakers work on who will run for the gavel. Multiple reports have said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) is lobbying for support for a bid. A simple majority will be needed to secure victory.
“Like every other candidate, big hurdles for [Jordan] to get to 218. But Scalise seems to have a bold-named challenger,” Punchbowl News co-founder Jake Sherman said in a post to X.
🚨🚨🚨Hannity says Donald Trump has been contacted about possibly being an “interim Speaker of the House,” Jim Jordan reacts LIVE:
"He'd be great… I want him at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue but if he wants to be Speaker, that's fine too."
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) October 4, 2023
