Republicans Face Harassment and Intimidation After Opposing Jordan's Speakership Bid

Since voting against Rep. Jim Jordan's bid for House speakership, several Republicans have been subjected to angry calls, menacing messages, and even death threats. This has further intensified the already tense and chaotic atmosphere within the GOP as they strive to elect a speaker. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa revealed that she has received credible death threats and a barrage of threatening calls after changing her speaker vote from Jordan to House Appropriations Chairwoman Kay Granger. Additionally, New York Rep. Nick LaLota took to social media to share a message he received that cruelly told him to "go f**k yourself and die."

Rep. Steve Womack from Arkansas mentioned that his office has been inundated with calls, some of which contained profanity. However, he clarified that there were no substantial threats. On the other hand, the wife of Rep. Don Bacon from Nebraska received alarming text messages. These anonymous messages cautioned her husband, who has been openly opposed to Jordan, to support the Ohio Republican. CNN obtained one of these messages, which expressed disappointment and considered Bacon a failure who would never hold any political office again. In response, Bacon's wife conveyed that her husband possesses more bravery than the sender, who lacks the courage to attach their name to their statements.

In Washington, DC on Wednesday, Republican representatives made a push to elect Rep. Jim Jordan as the new House speaker, with Rep. Patrick McHenry, the temporary House leader, engaging in discussions with him.

Alex Brandon/AP

Jim Jordan loses second vote for House speaker amid steep GOP opposition

Jordan has been unsuccessful in securing the position of speakership after facing 22 GOP votes against his candidacy in two voting rounds on Wednesday. This number of opposing votes is significantly higher than what he could afford to lose, considering the narrow majority that the party holds in the House. The ongoing battle for the speakership, following Kevin McCarthy's unprecedented removal earlier this month, has resulted in escalating tensions and frustration within the House Republican conference.

Responding to the death threats, Jordan expressed his condemnation and asserted that such actions are morally incorrect.

"It should never happen," Jordan remarked as he departed his office on Wednesday evening. "It is simply unjust, and we staunchly oppose it occurring to anyone, any American, any individual, or any member of Congress. It is simply unjust."

These statements were made in response to a previous social media post by the congressman on X, in which he asserted, "No American should confront another based on their beliefs... Cease this behavior, for it is repugnant."

Despite their opposition, some Republicans who have voted against Jordan have criticized the pressure campaign targeting them, stating that it has only strengthened their resistance. Online, conservative leaders and media personalities have lambasted these dissenters and shared their office phone numbers, urging supporters to inundate them with calls in favor of Jordan. Womack mocked Jordan's allies for resorting to constant attacking tactics against Republican adversaries.

"Speaking from personal experience, myself and my staff have encountered a relentless strategy over the past 24 or 48 hours: constant attack. Those who disagree with you are targeted and forced into submission," he stated.

Additionally, robocalls in support of Jordan have surfaced, targeting voters in Rep. Carlos Gimenez's district and other members' districts, as reported by the Florida Republicans office. Gimenez addressed this issue with Jordan, who claimed no involvement, according to his office.

Centrist Republicans, as well as lawmakers who were angry at the small group of Republicans who forced out McCarthy and opposed Scalise's bid for speaker, are among the opponents to the congressman's bid. Despite the challenging path to reaching the necessary support of 217, Jordan stated that McCarthy had more time to garner support for his bid for speakership when questioned by CNN.

"We are actively engaged in ongoing discussions with our colleagues, which we find promising. Our primary focus is to secure a speaker at the earliest opportunity," he stated. "Speaker McCarthy had the advantage of several months of preparation prior to the vote, whereas in our case, the process took an entire week.

"Therefore, it is imperative that we expedite this matter," he emphasized. "Furthermore, we will persist in our efforts to engage in dialogue with our colleagues."