Jim Jordan's Bold Move Shakes Up GOP Leadership Vacancy in Historic Showdown

Republican Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, a conservative, is calling for a vote in the House on Tuesday to determine if he will replace Speaker Kevin McCarthy. This move aims to put an end to the ongoing divisions within the Republican party and alleviate the prolonged stagnation in the chambers. Jordan has gained significant support from previously undecided individuals leading up to the vote, which comes two weeks after McCarthy's removal. His supporters are optimistic that Jordan can gather the necessary 217 votes to become the speaker. However, it remains uncertain if Jordan can successfully unify the fragmented House Republican conference, as there are still lawmakers who oppose him.

Jordan can only afford to lose four Republicans in order to be elected as speaker, as a majority of the full House is required. McCarthys removal was a result of a small group of eight GOP rebels and other House Republicans who were unhappy with Jordan. This slim margin means that even a small group of House Republicans who oppose Jordan could prevent his ascension. However, Jordan and his allies have been making progress recently. Jordan has been personally trying to win over skeptical lawmakers, while his supporters outside of Congress have been attacking the holdouts and warning of potential political consequences if they oppose a candidate favored by the Trump-aligned GOP base.

"We must secure a speaker by tomorrow," Jordan stated on Monday following his departure from a confidential GOP conference meeting. "It is crucial for the American people to have a functioning Congress with their elected House representatives. However, this can only be achieved if we succeed in appointing a speaker."

According to Jordan's supporters, the number of GOP adversaries has significantly reduced from the initial 55 who voted against him on the floor last Friday. Now, it is believed that only a few remain opposed, with one GOP member suggesting that the remaining detractors amount to less than 10.

Several key holdouts, including Rep. Ann Wagner of Missouri who had previously deemed Jordan a "nonstarter," announced on Monday that they would now lend their support to him.

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis of New York expressed her belief that Jordan has the ability to unite individuals spanning from moderates to ultra conservatives, as well as Republicans from all parts of the political spectrum. She emphasized the importance of getting back to work promptly, stressing that there is no time to spare.

Despite lacking the votes on the initial ballot, Jordan has the potential to compel further voting, mirroring McCarthy's method in the 15 rounds it took for him to be elected speaker in January.

Until the House appoints a speaker, the consideration of crucial legislative matters, such as providing supplementary military aid to Israel or funding the government, remains unfeasible. This is particularly significant as the threat of a shutdown looms just a month away, owing to McCarthy's six-week provisional spending agreement that instigated the action against him.

Jordan faces skeptics who may publicly oppose him, including Republican lawmakers who are still upset about a few Republicans who forced out McCarthy and then opposed the nomination of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise as the speaker. Initially, Scalise defeated Jordan in the GOP conference with a vote of 113 to 99.

"I am unable to overlook the fact that a small group in our conference violated the rules to remove Kevin and then blocked Steve," stated Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska. "It is unacceptable to have a process where I adhere to the rules while others do not, and they still get what they want. This goes against American values. Americans desire fair play and the adherence to the rule of law."

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 09: Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) is pictured speaking during an on-camera interview close to the House Chambers while a sequence of votes takes place at the U.S. Capitol Building on January 09, 2023 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives, on the first business day of the 118th Congress after the Speaker of the House was elected, conducted a series of votes on a rules package that outlines the parameters for the House proceedings. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images/FILE

Jim Jordan, the face of key GOP investigations, seeks the speaker's gavel -- again

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida asserted his dedication to backing Scalise on the floor, emphasizing their shared support during the election. He cautioned against attempting to pressure him, suggesting that such efforts would yield unfavorable results.

On Monday evening, numerous Republicans, even those hailing from districts won by President Joe Biden, refrained from stating their intention to vote for Jordan on the floor.

Jordan's supporters are urging the conference to come together and support him, even those who previously criticized McCarthy and opposed Scalise. Representative Scott Perry of Pennsylvania believes that those who are upset should not direct their anger towards Jordan since he has shown support for both McCarthy and Scalise.

"Emotions are wounded," Perry stated. "However, Jim is not responsible for that. Therefore, they should direct their anger, if you will, towards those whom they believe are deserving of it - but certainly not Jim Jordan."

Reporters Kristin Wilson, Morgan Rimmer, and Sam Fossum from CNN offered their contribution to this article.