Who are Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan, the House speaker candidates?
The Battle for House Speaker: Jordan vs. Scalise
The House of Representatives is abuzz with anticipation as it moves closer to nominating a new speaker. After the historic ousting of Rep. Kevin McCarthy, two front-runners have emerged in the race for the chamber’s top role.
The Candidates
- Jim Jordan
- Steve Scalise
Hoping to fill McCarthy’s shoes, the Republican conference will listen to pitches from the two declared candidates, Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Rep. Jim Jordan, on Tuesday. A secret ballot election will take place on Wednesday to determine the nominee, but the timing of the final vote on the House floor remains uncertain.
Currently, Jordan has the upper hand in the race, garnering support from hard-line conservatives and even securing an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. With about 40 committed votes, including those from the Freedom Caucus, Jordan is making a strong case for himself. On the other hand, Scalise has gathered around 30 committed votes.
Let’s take a closer look at the two men vying for the coveted position of House speaker.
Jim Jordan
Jim Jordan has been representing Ohio’s 4th Congressional District since 2007, consistently winning reelection bids in the Buckeye State. He has an impressive educational background, having attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and earning degrees from the University of Ohio and Capital University Law School. Jordan, along with being a founding member, served as the first chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus from 2015 to 2017.
As a prominent figure in the Republican conference, Jordan currently holds the positions of chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government. He is also the longest-serving member of the Freedom Caucus.
Jordan wasted no time in announcing his bid for speaker following McCarthy’s removal. He has been actively involved in investigations into alleged wrongdoing by the Biden administration, particularly regarding Hunter Biden’s involvement with Burisma. However, Jordan has faced criticism from Democrats for his unwavering support of Trump and his refusal to denounce voter fraud claims.
Financially, Jordan has raised about $2.9 million this cycle and has $7.9 million on hand.
Steve Scalise
Steve Scalise has represented Louisiana’s 1st Congressional District since 2008. He studied computer science at Louisiana State University and has been married for nearly 20 years with two children.
Scalise has held significant leadership positions in the House, serving as the House majority whip from 2014 to 2018 and as House minority whip from 2019 to 2022. In 2023, he was elected House majority leader, making him the second-highest-ranking House Republican under the speaker.
Aside from his leadership roles, Scalise is actively involved in various caucuses, including the House Republican Israel Caucus, Republican Study Committee, and Pro-Life Caucus.
Although currently trailing behind Jordan in committed votes, Scalise has garnered support from influential figures within the Republican party, such as Majority Whip Tom Emmer and House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers. Scalise has also faced health challenges, having been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a treatable blood cancer, and surviving a shooting incident during a Congressional Baseball Game practice in 2017.
According to financial filings, Scalise has raised $5.6 million this cycle and has over $6 million in cash on hand.
The battle for House speaker is heating up, with Jordan and Scalise vying for the support of their fellow House members. As the nomination process unfolds, all eyes are on the House floor, waiting to see who will emerge as the next speaker.
Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.
What role has Steve Scalise played in rallying support for Republican legislative initiatives?
Lvement with Ukrainian energy company Burisma. Jordan has positioned himself as a staunch defender of conservative principles, emphasizing the need for limited government, fiscal responsibility, and border security.
Steve Scalise, on the other hand, brings a different set of qualifications and experiences to the table.
Steve Scalise
Steve Scalise, a representative from Louisiana’s 1st Congressional District, has been serving in the House since 2008. He rose to prominence during his time as the chairman of the Republican Study Committee, a conservative caucus, from 2012 to 2014, before assuming his current role as the Republican Majority Whip in 2014.
Scalise is known for his strong fundraising abilities and extensive network within the Republican Party. He has been an advocate for lower taxes, deregulation, and a robust national defense. Scalise survived a near-fatal shooting in 2017 during a congressional baseball practice, which further solidified his stature within the party and garnered him widespread support.
As Majority Whip, Scalise has played a key role in rallying support for Republican legislative initiatives and maintaining party discipline. He has been lauded for his ability to bridge gaps within the party and build consensus among his colleagues. Scalise’s amiable personality and adeptness at building relationships have helped him gain the support of more moderate Republicans.
Both Jordan and Scalise have strong credentials and loyal support within their respective factions of the Republican Party. The battle for House speaker brings to the forefront the ideological divide among conservatives and the quest to balance the desires of the Republican base with the need to maintain a united front against the Democratic-controlled House.
While Jordan appeals to the more hard-line conservative wing, Scalise has a broader appeal, thanks to his ability to connect with both conservatives and moderates. This broader appeal could prove decisive in securing the speaker position, as the next leader will need the support of the entire Republican conference to effectively navigate the political landscape and confront the Biden administration.
Regardless of the outcome, the race for House speaker demonstrates the dynamic nature of American politics and the never-ending quest for leadership. It also serves as a reminder that unity within a party is crucial for advancing legislative agendas and achieving political goals. The result of the election will not only shape the House of Representatives’ agenda but also have far-reaching consequences for the Republican Party and its ability to regroup and regain power in future elections.
As the House prepares for the election, all eyes are on Jordan and Scalise, who must now make their cases to their fellow representatives and convince them of their ability to lead with strength, vision, and unwavering commitment to conservative principles. Only time will tell who will emerge victorious in this consequential battle for the speaker’s gavel.
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