Jim Jordan Loses First House Speaker Vote
Jim Jordan Fails to Secure Speaker Position in GOP-Led House
Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH) fell short in his bid to become the next speaker of the GOP-led House during the initial round of voting on Tuesday.
In a dramatic House floor vote that commenced in the early afternoon, Jordan received 200 votes, while Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) secured 212 votes. Meanwhile, 20 votes went to “other” candidates, indicating a lack of support for Jordan among some Republicans.
A simple majority was required to secure victory in the chamber.
The House now faces the decision of proceeding with another round of voting or exploring alternative paths after the removal of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) earlier this month. With the possibility of a government shutdown looming by mid-November without a spending deal and the urgency to address the Israel-Hamas conflict, a swift resolution is crucial.
Various suggestions have been put forth, including granting expanded powers to Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC), who currently serves as speaker pro tempore, or selecting a consensus candidate with bipartisan support.
Jordan, who emerged as the GOP nominee for speaker in his second attempt on Friday, has been actively courting Republican holdouts who have been hesitant to support his candidacy. However, his efforts fell short in the initial round of voting, with GOP defectors favoring other candidates such as Scalise, McCarthy, and Zeldin.
The list of GOP holdouts in the first round includes notable names such as House Appropriations Chairwoman Kay Granger (R-TX), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), Don Bacon (R-NE), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), and many others.
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Notably, Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), a supporter of Jordan, missed the first vote due to a funeral. McCarthy and Scalise, on the other hand, cast their votes in favor of Jordan. Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA), who challenged Jordan in the second round, also supported him.
This new round of voting for speaker comes two weeks after McCarthy’s removal from the role he held since the beginning of the year. McCarthy initially secured the speaker’s gavel in the 15th round of voting by making concessions to a small group of Republicans.
Following frustrations with McCarthy’s leadership, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) filed a “motion to vacate the chair” after the GOP-controlled House passed a short-term spending bill to prevent a government shutdown. Gaetz, along with seven other Republicans, joined forces with Democrats in a 216-210 vote that resulted in McCarthy’s ousting.
Jordan, who currently chairs the Judiciary Committee, received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, positioning him as a frontrunner in the 2024 presidential contest.
This story is developing and will be updated with additional information.
Why is selecting a capable and consensus-driven leader crucial for the current pressing issues facing the House?
Representative Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).
Despite Jordan’s popularity among certain conservative factions, his failure to secure the speaker position during the initial round of voting raises questions about his ability to rally support from within his own party. Some Republicans have expressed concerns over Jordan’s hardline positions and combative approach, which they believe may hinder his ability to effectively lead and navigate through the current political landscape.
The speaker of the House plays a crucial role in setting the legislative agenda and guiding the party’s priorities. With pressing issues such as the budget, infrastructure, and the Israel-Hamas conflict requiring immediate attention, selecting a capable and consensus-driven leader is of utmost importance.
One potential alternative to Jordan’s bid for speaker is Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC), who currently serves as speaker pro tempore. McHenry has been praised for his ability to bridge the gap between different factions within the Republican Party and work across the aisle when necessary. His experience and temperament make him a viable candidate for the position, as he has proven his ability to garner bipartisan support in the past.
Another suggestion put forth is the selection of a compromise candidate who can unite both sides of the aisle. This approach would require finding someone with a track record of bipartisanship and the ability to work collaboratively towards common goals. By selecting a speaker who can bridge the divide between Democrats and Republicans, the House can move forward in a more productive and efficient manner.
Ultimately, the decision of who will become the next speaker of the House rests in the hands of the representatives themselves. As the House grapples with important issues that require immediate attention, it is crucial that they select a leader who possesses the necessary skills and qualities to guide the chamber effectively. Whether it be through another round of voting or the exploration of alternative paths, it is important that this decision is made swiftly to ensure the stability and functionality of the House of Representatives.
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