Jim Jordan is no longer the speaker designee thanks to a Friday vote in the House of Representatives, meaning Republicans must find someone new.
“Republicans cast aside their latest nominee for House speaker on Friday, rejecting Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio during a secret ballot vote, leaving them once again to search for a new leader amid raging personal and political recriminations,” The New York Times confirmed.
“The rejection came hours after Mr. Jordan, his support ebbing, failed on a third floor vote to win the speakership. His defeat left the party with no consensus on a way forward and the chamber paralyzed in the face of growing pressure to get back to business as war raged overseas and a government shutdown grew nearer.”
Jim Jordan gave it his all.
He was the best Speaker candidate to reform Congress’s spending addiction that’s been bankrupting our country.
But sadly today the GOP conference met privately and ended his candidacy by a vote of 112 to 86.
I would have voted 1000 rounds for Jim.
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) October 20, 2023
Going forward, Republicans must pick a new speaker designee. According to Fox News, there are at least eight Republicans who’ve expressed interest in competing for the spot, starting with Republican Study Committee chair Kevin Hern.
“We must unify and do it fast. I’ve spoken to every Member of the Conference over the last few weeks. We need a different type of leader who has a proven track record of success, which is why I’m running for Speaker of the House,” he said in a statement.
We need a different type of leader who has a proven track record of success, which is why I’m running for Speaker of the House. pic.twitter.com/updVLkDCGh
— Congressman Kevin Hern (@repkevinhern) October 20, 2023
Rep. Jack Bergman, a retired Marine Corps general, likewise told Fox News that he’s entering the race after having received calls from “across the spectrum” of the Republican Party asking him to run.
“I don’t leave the battlefield in the middle of the fight, and I make sure that everybody on my left and right on that battlefield is coalesced as a team to win the fight,” he said.
“I believe with my 40 years of experience, the highest level of leadership in the Marine Corps, my civilian experience… my dedication over my life to service and our country — not this country, our country — is the kind of leadership that the conservative movement needs,” he added.
Next up is Rep. Byron Donalds.
“Under my leadership, the House will lead the charge to advance a simple objective: Put the American people first, keep them safe, and make their lives easier. Titles aren’t given. They’re earned,” he said in a statement.
“I look forward to securing the votes of a majority of my Republican colleagues to become the first African-American speaker, the first speaker from the great state of Florida, and the next speaker of the 118th Congress,” he added.
Tonight, I am announcing my candidacy for Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. pic.twitter.com/1wSwQYqoX2
— Congressman Byron Donalds (@RepDonaldsPress) October 20, 2023
Then there’s Majority Whip Tom Emmer.
He “is also making calls to colleagues about a run for speaker, a source familiar with his plans [said],” according to Fox News.
Next is GOP Conference vice chair Mike Johnson.
“Another source [said] that another current member of leadership, GOP Conference Vice Chair Mike Johnson, R-La., is also considering a run for speaker,” Fox News reported.
Then there’s Rep. Austin Scott, who ran against Jordan in the original speaker race, and who’s now back in the running, according to his spokesperson.
Next is Budget Committee chair Jodey Arrington, who told reporters he was “seriously considering” a run.
“We’ve discussed it, and we were praying about it, and a number of members have asked us to consider it,” he said.
And last up is Rep. Pete Sessions:
Let’s get the House back to work on behalf of the American people. pic.twitter.com/aQF8nXt3sV
— Pete Sessions (@PeteSessions) October 20, 2023
“Congressman Sessions believes he can forge a positive path as a conservative leader who can unite the Conference. During his congressional career, he has played a vital role in the Republican Party, in Texas and nationally, including a decade in Party leadership,” said a statement.
“As Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) from 2009 to 2012, he led the Party to reclaim the House majority with an unprecedented net 63-seat victory in 2010. From 2013 to 2019, Congressman Sessions chaired the House Committee on Rules, where he revitalized and advanced the Republican agenda in the House of Representatives,” the statement continued.
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V. Saxena is a staff writer with a decade of experience as a professional writer, and a lifetime of experience as an avid news junkie. He holds a degree in computer technology from Purdue University. Saxena also contributes to BizPac Review.
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