After two weeks without a House Speaker, Republicans are gathering behind closed doors to rally around their new nominee, Rep. Jim Jordan, a staunch ally of Donald Trump. Jordan, known for his hardline conservative stance, is gaining significant support, quickly consolidating his bid for the gavel. A crucial floor vote is scheduled for Tuesday.
Jordan, the assertive Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, has been successful in winning over critics who had reservations about his far-right positions. Support from Trump allies, including media personality Sean Hannity, has played a pivotal role in bolstering his candidacy.
“I feel real good about the momentum we have,” said Jordan as he spoke outside his Washington office.
In a letter addressed to his colleagues, Jordan adopted a cooperative tone, pledging to unify the Republican party if he becomes House Speaker following the ousting of Kevin McCarthy.
“The country and our conference cannot afford us attacking each other right now,” Jordan wrote. “It is time we unite to get back to work on behalf of the American people.”
Jordan’s journey to House Speaker has been arduous. A former outsider and founding member of the right-wing Freedom Caucus, he is now just a few votes away from wielding significant power. Chaos has enveloped House Republicans since Kevin McCarthy’s sudden removal on October 3, leading to a halt in all House business.
To secure the gavel, the second-highest position in the country, Jordan needs the support of almost all his colleagues during the House floor vote. With Democrats sure to back their nominee, Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Jordan must garner substantial Republican support.
In an internal party vote last Friday, Jordan fell more than 50 votes short, and Majority Leader Steve Scalise, the first nominee to replace McCarthy, was also unable to unite the party.
However, Jordan can count on the backing of former President Trump, as well as pressure from grassroots activists who are familiar with his appearances on cable news and fiery committee hearings. Republican lawmakers are expected to face difficulty opposing him in a public floor vote.
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Rep. Matt Gaetz, who played a pivotal role in McCarthy’s removal, publicly praised lawmakers who switched their allegiance to Jordan and criticized those who did not.
Democrats have criticized the GOP’s shift towards far-right positions, labeling Jordan as the leader of the party’s chaotic wing. Jordan has been a prominent ally of Trump, particularly during the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol by the former president’s supporters who sought to overturn the 2020 election results. Trump awarded Jordan the Medal of Freedom shortly after the attack.
