Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry.(via Business Insider)
In a political spectacle that defies conventional wisdom, Jim Jordan of Ohio continued to press his pursuit of the House speakership, even as the writing on the wall foretold another inevitable setback. The Ohio Republican called for a third vote on his speakership bid last Friday, despite mounting signs that his quest was destined for further disappointment, with a likely hemorrhage of votes.
As the ballots were cast, the results told a striking story of internal dissent within the Republican ranks. Twenty-five Republicans cast their votes against Jordan, an increase from the 22 who opposed him on Wednesday and the 20 on Tuesday. Notable among the dissenters were Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Tom Kean of New Jersey, and Marc Molinaro of New Jersey, who joined the chorus of Republican holdouts.
The outcome was stark: Jordan garnered a mere 194 votes, accounting for just over 45% of the total votes cast. This marks the lowest percentage of votes for a majority party’s speaker nominee since December 1859, when the leading candidate secured a mere 35% of the vote in the initial ballot, necessitating a protracted eight-week voting process to reach a resolution.
The motivations behind Jordan’s persisting campaign remain a subject of speculation. Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee, a staunch supporter of Jordan and one of the eight Republicans who had voted to oust Kevin McCarthy, expressed his bafflement, stating, “Not sure of the strategy, but it’s Jim’s decision.”
Friday’s vote followed a tumultuous Thursday for House Republicans. In an attempt to gain additional time to win over wavering members, Jordan had supported a plan to temporarily bestow expanded powers upon Rep. Patrick McHenry, the current acting speaker pro tempore. However, this proposition encountered resistance from right-wing Republicans, leading to its swift abandonment.
The ensuing path forward remains shrouded in uncertainty. Jordan’s allies have remained resolute in the face of dwindling prospects, even suggesting that voting may extend into the weekend. Should Jordan choose to step aside, other potential candidates are poised in the wings. Nonetheless, the critical question lingers: Can anyone within the GOP conference muster the 217 votes necessary to grasp the coveted gavel?
While the notion of empowering McHenry remains in abeyance for now, Democrats have signaled an openness to the idea, subject to further details. Notably, several of the anti-Jordan holdouts, who had previously cast protest votes for McCarthy, redirected their support toward McHenry on Friday. The dance of power and discord continues within the hallowed halls of the House, with the denouement of this extraordinary chapter yet to be written.
Here are the 25 Republicans who voted against Jordan on Friday:
- Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska
- Rep. Vern Buchanan of Florida
- Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado
- Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon
- Rep. Anthony D’Eposito of New York
- Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida
- Rep. Jake Ellzey of Texas
- Rep. Drew Ferguson of Georgia
- Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania
- Rep. Andrew Garbarino of New York
- Rep. Carlos Gimenez of Florida
- Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas
- Rep. Kay Granger of Texas
- Rep. John James of Michigan
- Rep. Tom Kean of New Jersey
- Rep. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania
- Rep. Jen Kiggans of Virginia
- Rep. Nick LaLota of New York
- Rep. Mike Lawler of New York
- Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa
- Rep. Marc Molinaro of New York
- Rep. John Rutherford of Florida
- Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho
- Rep. Pete Stauber of Minnesota
- Rep. Steve Womack of Arkansas
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