House Republicans embarked on a dramatic quest to elect a new speaker, following the ousting of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) two weeks ago. The floor vote on October 17th proved unsuccessful, leaving the speaker’s chair empty and the House idle. However, the suspense continued as Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), the GOP conference’s second choice, gained 200 votes on the first ballot, falling short of the 217 needed for election. After a two-hour recess and attempts to rally support, a second ballot was postponed until the next day.
Patience has worn thin among House Republicans as urgent national concerns, such as a potential government shutdown and the Israel-Hamas war, demand legislative attention. Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Pa.) expressed frustration, stating that the dysfunction within the party is evident. He even jokingly suggested that if Mr. Jordan is not elected, he might enter the race himself.
Run-up to the Election
This speakership battle began when Mr. McCarthy was ousted from the role by a small faction of Republicans aided by 208 Democrats. Mr. McCarthy faced opposition within his party since his election in January, which required a near-record 15 ballots.
Within days, Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Mr. Jordan announced their candidacies. Mr. Scalise initially received the designation of speaker by the Republican conference on October 11th but withdrew a day later due to insufficient support from Jordan’s faction. With just five GOP members capable of blocking any action by the majority, including the election of a speaker, the Republican majority hangs by a thread.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) interacts with fellow members as the House of Representatives prepares to vote on a new Speaker of the House at the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 17, 2023. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
The conference reconvened on October 13th and nominated Mr. Jordan, who received the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. However, several members expressed their refusal to support Mr. Jordan’s candidacy, believing it was orchestrated by the same factions that ousted Mr. McCarthy and blocked Mr. Scalise’s election.
The Vote
The House gathered with 220 Republicans, 212 Democrats, and one absent Republican. Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) nominated Mr. Jordan, emphasizing his qualities as a fighter against government spending, corruption, and terrorism. Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (R-Calif.) nominated Mr. Jeffries, portraying him as a defender against extremism and partisanship.
Mr. Jeffries received 212 votes, Mr. Jordan received 200, Mr. Scalise received seven, Mr. McCarthy received six, and seven votes were cast for other GOP candidates. Mr. McCarthy and Mr. Scalise both voted for Mr. Jordan, signaling their unity behind the conference nominee.
While some holdouts eventually supported Mr. Jordan, he proceeded to the vote knowing that lingering opposition remained.
During a recess, Mr. Jordan met with the holdouts in an attempt to secure their support, while his advocates expressed confidence in his eventual success. Of the 128 speaker elections in Congress history, only 15 have required more than one ballot. Apart from Mr. McCarthy, no sitting speaker has been involuntarily removed from office.
Jackson Richman, Joseph Lord, Emel Akan, Ryusuke Abe, and NTD’s Melina Wisecup contributed to this report.
What are the potential implications for the Republican Party’s direction and ability to navigate national challenges based on the choice of the next speaker
As the battle for the speaker’s chair intensifies, various factions within the Republican Party are jostling for power and influence. Rep. Jordan, a co-founder of the House Freedom Caucus, has positioned himself as a staunch conservative alternative to the more moderate leadership of McCarthy and Scalise.
While Mr. Jordan’s support continues to grow, some critics argue that his confrontational and combative style may hinder bipartisan cooperation and productive legislative efforts. However, his ability to energize the Republican base and appeal to grassroots conservatives cannot be underestimated.
On the other hand, Rep. McCarthy, despite his ousting, remains a significant player in the speaker race. Many believe he is still the frontrunner due to his establishment connections and fundraising prowess. However, the events of the past few weeks have exposed deep divisions within the party and highlight the need for significant reforms.
One key challenge for the Republicans is uniting and presenting a cohesive front amidst these internal struggles. The delay in electing a new speaker has stalled important legislative work and created uncertainty at a critical time.
The upcoming second ballot will be a pivotal moment for the Republican Party. If Rep. Jordan fails to secure the necessary votes, it is unclear who could emerge as a viable alternative. The longer the vacancy persists, the more damaging it becomes for the party’s credibility and ability to govern effectively.
Regardless of the outcome, the speaker battle is indicative of larger ideological battles within the Republican Party. It is a struggle for the soul of the party, with traditional conservatives clashing with more populist and confrontational voices.
Ultimately, the Republican Party is at a crossroads. The choice of the next speaker will shape the party’s direction and determine its ability to navigate the challenges facing the nation. Will it embrace a more conservative, grassroots-driven agenda, or will it seek a more moderate, conciliatory approach?
As House Republicans continue their quest to fill the speaker’s chair, the nation watches with bated breath, waiting to see how this power struggle unfolds and what it means for the future of the GOP.
