GOP's Jim Jordan Faces Setback in House Speaker Bid Amid Party Tensions
Republican Representative Jim Jordan faced another defeat in his bid to become House Speaker, losing support from even more GOP colleagues. Despite this setback, the staunch Donald Trump ally showed no indications of withdrawing from the race.
The House remains in a state of uncertainty as Republicans, frustrated with the ongoing impasse, explore alternative solutions. One such proposal involves empowering the interim speaker pro tempore, Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.), to temporarily manage routine House operations. However, this idea has yet to gain traction.
Jordan's chances of securing the House Speaker position appear increasingly slim. He lost the support of 22 Republicans, two more than in the previous round of voting. Many within the party view Jordan as too radical for such a pivotal role and have expressed discontent with the aggressive tactics employed by his supporters.
Despite the challenges, Jordan, a founding member of the hard-right Freedom Caucus, remains optimistic. "We'll keep talking to members, keep working on it," he stated post-vote.
The House has been without a speaker for 15 days since Kevin McCarthy's unexpected departure. This once-routine vote has transformed into a contentious GOP power struggle with no clear resolution in sight. Jordan's reluctance to step down and the absence of a unifying Republican candidate have exacerbated the situation.
Amid this internal strife, external pressures mount. Demonstrations outside the Capitol concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict highlight the urgency of resolving the House's leadership crisis.
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), who voted against Jordan twice, expressed the sentiments of many: "Jim Jordan has got to pull his name. He’s going to have to call it quits."
While some Republicans have rallied around Jordan, the numbers suggest he's unlikely to gain the necessary support. With the GOP holding a 221-212 majority in the House, Jordan needs to win over most of his detractors. The recent vote, which saw 199 Republicans support Jordan and 212 back Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, left no candidate with a clear majority.
The ongoing impasse has led to discussions about alternative ways to operate the House, potentially by granting more authority to a temporary speaker. However, McHenry has expressed reluctance to expand his role beyond its current parameters.
The House's leadership vacuum has prompted bipartisan concerns. Democratic Rep. Pete Aguilar of California nominated Jeffries, emphasizing the need for stability and progress. "The country cannot afford more delays and more chaos," Aguilar remarked.
Jordan's close association with Trump, especially during the events of January 6, 2021, has been a point of contention. His reputation as a disruptor rather than a legislative leader raises questions about his potential leadership style and ability to navigate the complex challenges facing Congress.
Jordan's tenure in Congress, which began in 2006, has been marked by few legislative achievements. He has also faced allegations from former wrestlers at Ohio State University, where he served as an assistant wrestling coach. They claim he was aware of inappropriate conduct by an Ohio State doctor, allegations Jordan has consistently denied.