Representative Jim JordanPhotographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) has secured support from some of his colleagues who had previously expressed skepticism about his bid for the position of Speaker, providing a boost to his prospects ahead of a potential House vote this week.
Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala), who chairs the influential House Armed Services Committee, announced on Monday that he is endorsing the Ohio Republican, despite having previously voiced serious reservations. Rogers explained that he and Jordan had engaged in “thoughtful” conversations and shared a common perspective on key issues, such as defense funding and appropriations for government functions.
Rogers emphasized his commitment to working as a team player and supporting decisions that align with the majority of the Republican Conference, signaling his support for Jordan.
Following Rogers’ endorsement, Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif), another advocate for robust defense funding, also threw his support behind Jordan. Additionally, Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Mo), who had previously expressed strong opposition to Jordan’s candidacy, reversed her position and endorsed him.
The swift succession of endorsements from GOP lawmakers rallying behind Jordan came as a surprise, particularly in light of reports over the weekend suggesting that some appropriators were exploring ways to withhold support for Jordan’s speakership bid due to his past advocacy for government shutdowns.
However, some skeptical Republicans have raised concerns about pressure tactics employed by Jordan’s allies. According to reports, representatives from Fox News host Sean Hannity’s show have been emailing GOP members who were undecided or hesitant, urging them to support Jordan’s bid.
In an internal election on Friday, the majority of Republicans voted to nominate Jordan as the party’s Speaker-designate. Nevertheless, only 155 out of 221 House Republicans cast their votes in favor of Jordan, leaving him significantly short of the 217 votes required to secure the Speaker’s position in a public vote on the House floor. Jordan’s efforts to consolidate support among his colleagues are essential in his quest to become the Speaker of the House.
Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) has emerged as the preferred choice for the next House Speaker among House Republicans, following the withdrawal of Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) from the race.
Jordan is pressing for a floor vote as early as Tuesday to compel the remaining opposition to publicly express their positions, applying pressure to sway them. Last week, Jordan had advocated for a change in party rules that would require near-unanimous Republican support for speaker candidates before a public vote, in response to the first internal speaker election, which used secret ballots. A public vote would expose Jordan’s opponents, making it easier for figures like Sean Hannity and others to target them for criticism.
“It’s not about pressuring anybody,” Jordan insisted on Monday. “It’s just about we’ve got to have a speaker.”
Since last week, Republicans have been critical of Jordan’s tactics. After Scalise narrowly defeated Jordan with a vote of 113 to 99, Scalise’s supporters expressed dissatisfaction with Jordan for not immediately endorsing the victorious Scalise. Although Jordan publicly voiced his support for Scalise, some believed that Jordan had undermined Scalise’s candidacy through covert means.
“I heard him say that he supports Scalise, so I take him for his word because he’s never lied to me,” noted Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), hinting that Jordan’s support for Scalise might have been insincere. Instead of questioning Jordan’s honesty, Diaz-Balart raised concerns about his effectiveness as a leader.
Diaz-Balart said, “It begs the question: If you can’t get your closest supporters, associates, friends to support you in a pretty simple thing, how can you get anybody to support you?”
On Monday, Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), who had doubts about Jordan, decried a “pressure campaign” by Jordan’s allies, drawing attention to a social media post that falsely claimed Bacon wanted Democratic Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) to be Speaker.
“Don’t fall for social media spin and pressure campaign to elect a certain Republican,” Bacon emphasized.
Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.) also indicated on Monday that he would vote for Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on the House floor, expressing his lingering frustration over McCarthy’s removal from the Speaker’s office earlier in the month. Gimenez stated, “I will not partake in this despicable coup. Speaker McCarthy should have never been removed to begin with.”
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