LOADINGERROR LOADING
This House is a mess.
Members failed to elect a new speaker on Tuesday and Wednesday, two weeks after ousting former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) from the job.
For a brief time Thursday, momentum appeared to be building in favor of keeping the temporary speaker, Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.), in the role until the new year. But the proposal rankled conservatives who saw it as an unholy alliance with Democrats, and even that potential compromise fell apart by mid-afternoon.
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Deep rifts have roiled the chamber’s slim Republican majority as relatively center-right representatives feud with an extreme right-wing contingent. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) suddenly dropped out of the speakership race last week, leaving the door open for far-right Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) to seize the gavel if he could manage to make nice with a majority of his colleagues.
He failed. After losing three votes by increasingly large margins, Jordan was booted as the party’s nominee on Friday.
Read live updates below:
Stay Tuned Next Week For More Coverage
That's a wrap on our live coverage of this week's speaker drama. We'll be back next week when the House reconvenes to (maybe?) decide on a new leader.
Kevin McCarthy Backs Tom Emmer For Speaker, More Potential Candidates Emerge
Rep. Kevin McCarthy (Calif.) endorsed Rep. Tom Emmer (Minn.) to be the next House Speaker, CNN reports. McCarthy did not publicly endorse a speaker candidate when Reps. Jim Jordan (Ohio) and Steve Scalise (La.) were vying for the nomination.
"He is the right person for the job. He can unite the conference. He understands the dynamics of the conference. He also understands what it takes to win and keep a majority," McCarthy said about Emmer in a statement obtained by CNN.
Emmer, a front-runner for the nomination, is among a handful of candidates who have either announced their plans to throw their hat in the ring for speaker or who are contemplating doing so, such as Reps. Mike Johnson (La.) and Pete Sessions (Texas), according to NBC News.
"He is the right person for the job. He can unite the conference. He understands the dynamics of the conference. He also understands what it takes to win and keep a majority," McCarthy said about Emmer in a statement obtained by CNN.
Emmer, a front-runner for the nomination, is among a handful of candidates who have either announced their plans to throw their hat in the ring for speaker or who are contemplating doing so, such as Reps. Mike Johnson (La.) and Pete Sessions (Texas), according to NBC News.
Here’s The Schedule For The Upcoming House GOP Election
The schedule for the upcoming House GOP election for speaker was announced on Friday, CNN’s Manu Raju reports.
Sunday, Oct. 22: Candidates are expected to file their bid for speaker nomination by noon to House GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik.
Monday, Oct. 23: Candidate forum for speaker will take place at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 24: Speaker election will take place at 9 a.m. in lieu of the House GOP Conference.
Sunday, Oct. 22: Candidates are expected to file their bid for speaker nomination by noon to House GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik.
Monday, Oct. 23: Candidate forum for speaker will take place at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 24: Speaker election will take place at 9 a.m. in lieu of the House GOP Conference.
Potential Candidates For Speaker Have Already Started To Emerge
After dropping his bid to become the next House speaker, Jordan told CNN that he does not have a preferred candidate. But some Republicans have already expressed interest in throwing their hat in the ring.
Reps. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) and Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) have said that they will seek the GOP nomination for speaker, CNN’s Annie Grayer reported, as has Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Mich.).
"I'm in," Hern told NBC News when asked if he would launch his bid.
Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) told reporters Friday that both he and Rep. Roger Williams (R-Texas) are considering a speaker bid, NBC News reported. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) also plans to join the race, CNN confirmed.
Meanwhile, Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) told members of the House conference that he too will seek the nomination for speaker, which would make him the front-runner in the race, journalist Jake Sherman reported.
Members have until Sunday at noon to file their bids, according to CNN. The list of candidates is expected to grow.
Reps. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) and Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) have said that they will seek the GOP nomination for speaker, CNN’s Annie Grayer reported, as has Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Mich.).
"I'm in," Hern told NBC News when asked if he would launch his bid.
Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) told reporters Friday that both he and Rep. Roger Williams (R-Texas) are considering a speaker bid, NBC News reported. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) also plans to join the race, CNN confirmed.
Meanwhile, Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) told members of the House conference that he too will seek the nomination for speaker, which would make him the front-runner in the race, journalist Jake Sherman reported.
Members have until Sunday at noon to file their bids, according to CNN. The list of candidates is expected to grow.
Some Republicans Play Spin Game, Laying Blame On Democrats
Rep. Austin Scott (R-Texas) blamed the eight “guilty” Republicans led by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) for the House’s messy predicament, but also told CNN’s Manu Raju that Democrats are at fault. All House Democrats voted with the eight Republicans to oust McCarthy from the speakership after Gaetz introduced the resolution.
Republicans, however, have majority control of the chamber.
“I think it makes Congress as a whole look very bad. The Democrats have had a lot of fun,” Scott said in the halls of Congress.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) also said members on the other side of the aisle were contributing to the disarray, telling Raju, “Our Democratic colleagues will not work with us on a single thing to secure the border.” The race has exposed rifts between more centrist conservatives and the hard-right contingent led by Jordan, who is pushing extreme changes to border policy.
Republicans, however, have majority control of the chamber.
“I think it makes Congress as a whole look very bad. The Democrats have had a lot of fun,” Scott said in the halls of Congress.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) also said members on the other side of the aisle were contributing to the disarray, telling Raju, “Our Democratic colleagues will not work with us on a single thing to secure the border.” The race has exposed rifts between more centrist conservatives and the hard-right contingent led by Jordan, who is pushing extreme changes to border policy.
Speaker Drama To Resume Next Week
With Jordan's candidacy dead after the Republican conference reportedly voted 86 to 112 against his bid for the speakership, the House will head home for the weekend.
House Republicans will reportedly hold a candidate forum Monday. Candidates for the speakership must file by Sunday night.
House Republicans will reportedly hold a candidate forum Monday. Candidates for the speakership must file by Sunday night.
Just In: GOP Conference Votes To End Jordan's Speaker Bid
GOP Blasts White Noise Outside Private Meeting On Jordan's Fate
Republicans played white noise outside of a private meeting so the press couldn't hear them deliberating over whether it's time for Jordan to drop out of the speaker race.
Hakeem Jeffries: There Is No GOP Leader For Me To Talk To
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said he has had "no conversations" with GOP leaders about a way through Republicans' speaker chaos because, well, they don't have a leader.
"A leader to talk to is going to have to emerge in order for that to occur," Jeffries told reporters in a press briefing.
There are conversations happening between individual Democrats and Republicans, he noted, and in some ways, "they have intensified this week."
Those discussions are with GOP members who have "rejected the extremism of Jim Jordan," he said.
As for what happens next, Jeffries said bipartisan member-to-member conversations will hopefully deepen over the weekend and "perhaps get us to a place where we can reopen the House no later than Monday of next week."
His prediction drew laughs from members of the press.
"Monday?" one reporter asked incredulously as Jeffries began to leave.
"It's possible," he replied.
The Democratic leader left the room to more laughs.
"A leader to talk to is going to have to emerge in order for that to occur," Jeffries told reporters in a press briefing.
There are conversations happening between individual Democrats and Republicans, he noted, and in some ways, "they have intensified this week."
Those discussions are with GOP members who have "rejected the extremism of Jim Jordan," he said.
As for what happens next, Jeffries said bipartisan member-to-member conversations will hopefully deepen over the weekend and "perhaps get us to a place where we can reopen the House no later than Monday of next week."
His prediction drew laughs from members of the press.
"Monday?" one reporter asked incredulously as Jeffries began to leave.
"It's possible," he replied.
The Democratic leader left the room to more laughs.
Republicans Voting On Jordan's Future In Speaker Race
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries Again Floats Bipartisan Approach
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) called for a bipartisan path forward after Jordan’s third failed bid for the speakership Friday, urging Republicans to “abandon extremism once and for all.”
"That is your only way out of the House Republican chaos and dysfunction,” he said, referring to a potential plan to empower Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.).
“It’s my understanding that you have several extreme MAGA Republicans on the other side of the aisle ... saying they will only ever vote for Jim Jordan,” Jeffries continued. “And if that in fact is the case, it's an additional data point that there is only one way out.”
Jeffries conceded to a gaggle of reporters that he has not had any conversations with Republicans, but expressed hope for a plan to coalesce by Monday.
"That is your only way out of the House Republican chaos and dysfunction,” he said, referring to a potential plan to empower Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.).
“It’s my understanding that you have several extreme MAGA Republicans on the other side of the aisle ... saying they will only ever vote for Jim Jordan,” Jeffries continued. “And if that in fact is the case, it's an additional data point that there is only one way out.”
Jeffries conceded to a gaggle of reporters that he has not had any conversations with Republicans, but expressed hope for a plan to coalesce by Monday.
McCarthy: GOP 'In A Very Bad Place Right Now'
McCarthy told reporters after today’s ballot that he expects a fourth speaker vote, but stopped short of calling for Jordan to drop out.
“That’s up to Jim,” McCarthy said. But broadly speaking, he said, the party has some serious problems to contend with — beginning with the “crazy members” led by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.).
“I think it’s a problem for the party that we’re in this place to begin with,” said McCarthy. “It’s 4% — 8 members, here — crazy members led by Gaetz, that put us in a bad situation.”
He added, “We’re in a very bad place right now."
“That’s up to Jim,” McCarthy said. But broadly speaking, he said, the party has some serious problems to contend with — beginning with the “crazy members” led by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.).
“I think it’s a problem for the party that we’re in this place to begin with,” said McCarthy. “It’s 4% — 8 members, here — crazy members led by Gaetz, that put us in a bad situation.”
He added, “We’re in a very bad place right now."
After Voting For Jordan Twice, Rep. Marc Molinaro Explains Why He Flipped
New York Republican Marc Molinaro voted for former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) on the third ballot, despite having supported Jordan in each of the previous two rounds.
After it became apparent that Jordan would be unable to unify the conference, Molinaro said in a post on social media that he'd decided to drop his support for the bid.
“We need to get back to work and need a conservative who can win the Speakership," he said. "Today, I voted for Lee Zeldin. He’s championed crucial fights like driving down inflation, securing the border, and is an unwavering supporter of Israel.”
After it became apparent that Jordan would be unable to unify the conference, Molinaro said in a post on social media that he'd decided to drop his support for the bid.
“We need to get back to work and need a conservative who can win the Speakership," he said. "Today, I voted for Lee Zeldin. He’s championed crucial fights like driving down inflation, securing the border, and is an unwavering supporter of Israel.”
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Gaetz: McCarthy Ousters Willing To Accept Punishment In Exchange For Jordan Support
Following Jordan’s third loss, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) told reporters outside the Capitol that the eight Republicans who orchestrated McCarthy’s ouster are willing to accept sanctions and other punishment from the party in exchange for its members supporting Jordan.
“We’ve made them an offer," he said. "The eight of us have said that we are willing to accept censure, sanction, removal from the Republican conference. We of course will remain Republicans, we will continue to vote with Republicans on Republican principles. But if what these holdouts needs is the pound of our flesh, we’re willing to give it to them in order to see them elect Jim Jordan as speaker."
“We’ve made them an offer," he said. "The eight of us have said that we are willing to accept censure, sanction, removal from the Republican conference. We of course will remain Republicans, we will continue to vote with Republicans on Republican principles. But if what these holdouts needs is the pound of our flesh, we’re willing to give it to them in order to see them elect Jim Jordan as speaker."
Republican Conference To Meet, Again
The Republicans are expected to meet behind closed doors at 1 p.m. ET to see if they can figure out a way forward.
Jordan Officially Loses Third Round
The final totals have been read. Jordan got 194 votes. Jeffries got 210. Twenty-five Republicans picked other candidates.
On the first two rounds of voting, Jordan earned 200 votes and 199 votes, respectively. This time, a handful of lawmakers were not present to participate in the proceedings.
The House is now in recess.
On the first two rounds of voting, Jordan earned 200 votes and 199 votes, respectively. This time, a handful of lawmakers were not present to participate in the proceedings.
The House is now in recess.
Rep. Tom Kean Explains Why He Dropped Jordan
New Jersey Republican Tom Kean flipped from Jordan to McCarthy on the third ballot, lamenting the state of Congress in a social media post as he did so.
“For the past nearly three weeks, my number one priority has always been getting Congress moving again to do the work of the American people,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “With great respect, it has become evident that Chairman Jordan does not and will not have the votes to become Speaker.”
Kean said he voted for McCarthy “for the good of our country, my district, and this institution.”
“For the past nearly three weeks, my number one priority has always been getting Congress moving again to do the work of the American people,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “With great respect, it has become evident that Chairman Jordan does not and will not have the votes to become Speaker.”
Kean said he voted for McCarthy “for the good of our country, my district, and this institution.”
25 Republicans Vote Against Jordan
Even more Republicans rejected Speaker Jim Jordan than over the last two votes. Here’s who they chose instead:
Scalise: Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart (Fla.), Drew Ferguson (Ga.), Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), Kay Granger (Texas), Mike Kelly (Pa.), John Rutherford (Fla.), Mike Simpson (Idaho), Steve Womack (Ark.)
McHenry: Reps. Don Bacon (Neb.), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (Ore.), Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.), Jen Kiggans (Va.), Mike Lawler (N.Y.), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Iowa)
McCarthy: Reps. Carlos Gimenez (Fla.), Tom Kean (N.J.)
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.): Reps. Vern Buchanan (Fla.), John James (Mich.)
Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Ind.): Rep. Ken Buck (Colo.)
Former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.): Reps. Anthony D'Esposito (N.Y.), Andrew Garbarino (N.Y.), Nick LaLota (N.Y.), Marc Molinaro (N.Y.)
Rep. Mike Garcia (R-Calif.): Rep. Jake Ellzey (Texas)
Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.): Rep. Pete Stauber (Minn.)
Scalise: Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart (Fla.), Drew Ferguson (Ga.), Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), Kay Granger (Texas), Mike Kelly (Pa.), John Rutherford (Fla.), Mike Simpson (Idaho), Steve Womack (Ark.)
McHenry: Reps. Don Bacon (Neb.), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (Ore.), Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.), Jen Kiggans (Va.), Mike Lawler (N.Y.), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Iowa)
McCarthy: Reps. Carlos Gimenez (Fla.), Tom Kean (N.J.)
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.): Reps. Vern Buchanan (Fla.), John James (Mich.)
Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Ind.): Rep. Ken Buck (Colo.)
Former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.): Reps. Anthony D'Esposito (N.Y.), Andrew Garbarino (N.Y.), Nick LaLota (N.Y.), Marc Molinaro (N.Y.)
Rep. Mike Garcia (R-Calif.): Rep. Jake Ellzey (Texas)
Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.): Rep. Pete Stauber (Minn.)
Jordan Losing Votes
We're at J names in the alphabetical vote count and Jordan is doing worse at this point than he did in the previous votes, CNN reports.
Jordan Does Not Have The Votes, Again
Voting is still underway, but already enough Republicans have rejected Jordan to make it impossible for him to get to 214, the number of supporters needed based on Friday's quorum vote.
Third Round Of Voting Underway
The third round of voting for a House speaker began after Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) stood to nominate House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).
The GOP defections have also begun: Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.) picked Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry (R-S.C.), who has said he does not want the job.
Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) chose Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) and Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) went with Republican Whip Tom Emmer (R-Ind.).
The GOP defections have also begun: Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.) picked Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry (R-S.C.), who has said he does not want the job.
Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) chose Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) and Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) went with Republican Whip Tom Emmer (R-Ind.).
McCarthy Nominates Jordan: 'An Effective Legislator'
McCarthy gave a lengthy nominating speech lauding Jordan on Friday, calling him “an effective legislator” and reflecting on their years of work together.
“Jim is the right person to take that seat behind me to be the next speaker of the House,” McCarthy said.
“Trust me, being speaker is not an easy job, especially in this conference. … I know he’s ready for the job.”
McCarthy addressed a frequent criticism of Jordan — his lack of experience passing legislation through the chamber — by pointing to his work chairing the House Judiciary Committee.
He added: “Name me one bill Democrats passed that would secure our border. I’m waiting.”
“Jim is the right person to take that seat behind me to be the next speaker of the House,” McCarthy said.
“Trust me, being speaker is not an easy job, especially in this conference. … I know he’s ready for the job.”
McCarthy addressed a frequent criticism of Jordan — his lack of experience passing legislation through the chamber — by pointing to his work chairing the House Judiciary Committee.
He added: “Name me one bill Democrats passed that would secure our border. I’m waiting.”
214 Votes Needed To Win
With just 427 members present on Friday, Jordan will need 214 votes to win the speakership. He is not expected to reach that mark.
CNN Airs Chilling Voicemail Sent To Wife Of Anti-Jordan Republican
CNN's Jake Tapper on Thursday played a threatening voicemail received by the wife of an unidentified Republican lawmaker who opposed Jordan's bid for the speaker role.
“Why is your husband such a pig?" the caller says. "Why would he get on TV and make an asshole of himself? Because he’s a deep-state prick? Because he doesn’t represent the people?”
Some Republicans who voted against Jordan have reportedly received death threats this week.
You can watch the video here.
“Why is your husband such a pig?" the caller says. "Why would he get on TV and make an asshole of himself? Because he’s a deep-state prick? Because he doesn’t represent the people?”
Some Republicans who voted against Jordan have reportedly received death threats this week.
You can watch the video here.
Hakeem Jeffries Makes Democrats' Stance On Jim Jordan Very Clear
Jordan definitely won't be getting any votes from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).
"Jim Jordan is a clear and present danger to our democracy," Jeffries told reporters Friday morning, in comments aired by CNN.
"He doesn't believe that President Biden was elected in 2020. That is disrespectful to the American people."
"Jim Jordan is a clear and present danger to our democracy," Jeffries told reporters Friday morning, in comments aired by CNN.
"He doesn't believe that President Biden was elected in 2020. That is disrespectful to the American people."
Jim Jordan's Not Giving Up
Jordan held a press conference Friday morning to tell reporters that if it's taken multiple rounds of votes to elect a speaker before, why not do the same for him?
“Look, there’s been multiple rounds of votes for speaker before. We all know that. I just know that we need to get a speaker as soon as possible so we can get to work for the American people,” Jordan said.
He was referencing the series of 15 votes it took for Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) to win the speaker’s gavel in January. Except the difference here is that Jordan is actually losing momentum each time.
HuffPost's Jonathan Nicholson has more.
“Look, there’s been multiple rounds of votes for speaker before. We all know that. I just know that we need to get a speaker as soon as possible so we can get to work for the American people,” Jordan said.
He was referencing the series of 15 votes it took for Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) to win the speaker’s gavel in January. Except the difference here is that Jordan is actually losing momentum each time.
HuffPost's Jonathan Nicholson has more.
AP Images
3rd Jim Jordan Vote Now Scheduled For Friday Morning
Jordan will try for the speakership a third time on Friday, his office said. The floor vote is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET.
Zeldin Spotted On The Hill
Some Capitol Hill reporters spotted former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) — who has received a few votes for speaker from New York Republicans this week — entering Jordan's office Thursday evening.
Temporary Speaker Rep. Patrick McHenry Threatens To Resign: Reports
McHenry reportedly told his GOP colleagues Thursday night he may resign as speaker pro tempore if Republicans push him to advance legislation without a vote to expand his powers.
“If you guys try to do that, you’ll figure out who the next person on Kevin’s list is,” McHenry said in a closed-door meeting, per an exclusive from NBC News. He was referring to a reported list of Republicans McCarthy compiled to serve in any vacancy.
McHenry has been uncomfortable with the idea of a temporary speaker given the full powers of the role, warning it could set a precedent in the future for unelected leaders.
NBC added that one lawmaker described McHenry’s comments as a threat of resignation, while another said they were “tongue in cheek.”
“If you guys try to do that, you’ll figure out who the next person on Kevin’s list is,” McHenry said in a closed-door meeting, per an exclusive from NBC News. He was referring to a reported list of Republicans McCarthy compiled to serve in any vacancy.
McHenry has been uncomfortable with the idea of a temporary speaker given the full powers of the role, warning it could set a precedent in the future for unelected leaders.
NBC added that one lawmaker described McHenry’s comments as a threat of resignation, while another said they were “tongue in cheek.”
Still Waiting...
CNN's Jake Tapper Hints At Jordan's Wrestling Abuse Scandal
Live from Capitol Hill, CNN reporter Melanie Zanona said some Republicans are upset with Jordan for not doing more to discourage his supporters from sending threats to Jordan's opponents in Congress and their families.
“Remember, some of these conservative media figures and leaders were posting office numbers and encouraging people to go after these members and let them know how they feel,” Zanona said. Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) was among those sharing screenshots of alarming texts, which were sent to his wife.
“If only there was something in his background that would suggest he would stand by and look away when bad things were going on,” CNN's Jake Tapper deadpanned in response — a sure reference to accusations that Jordan knew, but said nothing, about Ohio State University wrestlers who say they were sexually abused decades ago by a school doctor while Jordan was a coach. Jordan has repeatedly denied the claims.
“Remember, some of these conservative media figures and leaders were posting office numbers and encouraging people to go after these members and let them know how they feel,” Zanona said. Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) was among those sharing screenshots of alarming texts, which were sent to his wife.
“If only there was something in his background that would suggest he would stand by and look away when bad things were going on,” CNN's Jake Tapper deadpanned in response — a sure reference to accusations that Jordan knew, but said nothing, about Ohio State University wrestlers who say they were sexually abused decades ago by a school doctor while Jordan was a coach. Jordan has repeatedly denied the claims.
Gaetz: 'We're Shaking Up Washington'
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who filed the resolution to oust McCarthy 17 days ago, appeared pleased with the rebellion in a brief interview with CNN’s Manu Raju. Gaetz and a small group of far-right lawmakers backed Jordan this week.
“We’re shaking up Washington, D.C. We’re breaking the fever, and you know what -- it’s messy, but the only reason why people think there’s chaos in this town right now is because the special interests aren’t in control anymore,” Gaetz said. “So I think that we’re going to have an upgrade at the position of speaker of the House.”
Gaetz also confirmed that he had been the target of angry attacks from colleagues, including McCarthy, at the conference-wide meeting earlier Thursday.
“Well, you know he loses his temper sometimes. Maybe it’s the Irish in him. But I actually think it was a productive discussion,” Gaetz said.
“We’re shaking up Washington, D.C. We’re breaking the fever, and you know what -- it’s messy, but the only reason why people think there’s chaos in this town right now is because the special interests aren’t in control anymore,” Gaetz said. “So I think that we’re going to have an upgrade at the position of speaker of the House.”
Gaetz also confirmed that he had been the target of angry attacks from colleagues, including McCarthy, at the conference-wide meeting earlier Thursday.
“Well, you know he loses his temper sometimes. Maybe it’s the Irish in him. But I actually think it was a productive discussion,” Gaetz said.
Read More On Jordan's Reversal
HuffPost's Arthur Delaney and Jonathan Nicholson have the details on Jordan's decision to seek a third vote:
More Republicans Come Out Against McHenry Solution
Two members who received votes for the speakership this week, Reps. Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), came out against the idea of empowering McHenry as a temporary solution, according to Punchbowl News’ Jake Sherman.
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) slammed the proposal as a "Democrat backed coalition government" in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) wrote on social media that while she was “deeply appreciative” of McHenry’s work, he has not even displayed interest in an expanded role.
“He has rejected any additional authorities that members of this conference have offered him whether it is by resolution or implied,” Cammack wrote.
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) slammed the proposal as a "Democrat backed coalition government" in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) wrote on social media that while she was “deeply appreciative” of McHenry’s work, he has not even displayed interest in an expanded role.
“He has rejected any additional authorities that members of this conference have offered him whether it is by resolution or implied,” Cammack wrote.
Key Moment
Jordan To Try Again
Jordan indicated Wednesday he no longer supports a plan to give more power to Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) and will instead make a third attempt at becoming speaker.
Stay tuned for more details.
Stay tuned for more details.
Republicans Sorely Divided On Patrick McHenry Resolution
While the proposal has won support on both sides of the aisle, some conservatives are getting riled up against the idea of temporarily cementing McHenry in the role of speaker.
“Expanding powers for a temporary Speaker is a dangerous precedent and exactly what the Democrats hoped would happen. I’m a NO vote!” Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) wrote on social media.
Reps. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.), Troy Nehls (R-Texas), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Scott Perry (R-Pa.), Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) and Pat Fallon (R-Texas) are also all opposed, according to various reports.
"This conference is absolutely broken," Greene told reporters Thursday.
“Expanding powers for a temporary Speaker is a dangerous precedent and exactly what the Democrats hoped would happen. I’m a NO vote!” Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) wrote on social media.
Reps. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.), Troy Nehls (R-Texas), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Scott Perry (R-Pa.), Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) and Pat Fallon (R-Texas) are also all opposed, according to various reports.
"This conference is absolutely broken," Greene told reporters Thursday.
Jim Jordan Backs Down!
As his bid for the House speakership stalls out, Jordan is backing the plan to temporarily empower McHenry, HuffPost confirmed.
The hard-right Ohioan has stopped short of taking himself out of the race, however.
The plan would be for McHenry to perform the House speaker’s duties through January in order to help prevent another potential government shutdown when funding runs out next month. McHenry has yet to agree to the idea.
Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) called expanding the acting speaker’s powers a “historic betrayal to our Republican voters,” The Washington Post reported.
Banks added: “We don’t deserve the majority.”
The hard-right Ohioan has stopped short of taking himself out of the race, however.
The plan would be for McHenry to perform the House speaker’s duties through January in order to help prevent another potential government shutdown when funding runs out next month. McHenry has yet to agree to the idea.
Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) called expanding the acting speaker’s powers a “historic betrayal to our Republican voters,” The Washington Post reported.
Banks added: “We don’t deserve the majority.”
Hakeem Jeffries Says Democrats Have Yet To Discuss McHenry Plan
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said Democrats have yet to discuss how to address a planned Republican motion to invite House Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry to oversee legislative business in the chamber, which ground to a halt with McCarthy’s ouster more than two weeks ago.
“We haven’t had that discussion yet as a caucus,” Jeffries told reporters Thursday.
He went on: “Jim Jordan is still the speaker nominee and our goal is to prevent him — a clear and present danger to our democracy and the poster child for MAGA extremism — from becoming the speaker. The Republicans have to end this saga as opposed to us having another futile effort to elevate an insurrectionist to lead the House of Representatives.”
McHenry has indicated he only sees his role as a stopgap, facilitating the election of a new speaker and nothing more.
“We haven’t had that discussion yet as a caucus,” Jeffries told reporters Thursday.
He went on: “Jim Jordan is still the speaker nominee and our goal is to prevent him — a clear and present danger to our democracy and the poster child for MAGA extremism — from becoming the speaker. The Republicans have to end this saga as opposed to us having another futile effort to elevate an insurrectionist to lead the House of Representatives.”
McHenry has indicated he only sees his role as a stopgap, facilitating the election of a new speaker and nothing more.
Jim Jordan Looking At 'All Kinds Of Options' In Morning Meeting
Republicans will gather behind closed doors at 11 a.m. ET Thursday, Jordan told reporters.
“We’re looking to bring the conference together,” he said, adding, “We’ll be looking at all kinds of options.”
Jordan said after losing the second round of voting that there would be a third round on Thursday at noon. However, nothing is currently scheduled, and opposition to a Speaker Jordan appears only to be growing.
“We’re looking to bring the conference together,” he said, adding, “We’ll be looking at all kinds of options.”
Jordan said after losing the second round of voting that there would be a third round on Thursday at noon. However, nothing is currently scheduled, and opposition to a Speaker Jordan appears only to be growing.
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Jordan's Office Condemns Death Threats Against GOP Congresswoman Who Voted Against Him
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) spoke out about death threats she’s faced in the wake of voting against Jordan for House speaker, prompting his office to condemn such attacks.
“I have received credible death threats and a barrage of threatening calls. The proper authorities have been notified and my office is cooperating fully,” Miller-Meeks said in a lengthy statement.
“One thing I cannot stomach, or support is a bully,” continued Miller-Meeks, who voted to elect Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas) as speaker. “Someone who threatens another with bodily harm or tries to suppress differing opinions undermines opportunity for unity and regard for freedom of speech.”
Jordan’s office responded denouncing the threats to Miller-Meeks.
“This is abhorrent and has no place in civil discourse,” Russell Dye, a Jordan spokesperson, said. “No one should receive threats and it needs to stop. We have condemned these actions repeatedly. It is important that Republicans stop attacking each other and come together.”
“I have received credible death threats and a barrage of threatening calls. The proper authorities have been notified and my office is cooperating fully,” Miller-Meeks said in a lengthy statement.
“One thing I cannot stomach, or support is a bully,” continued Miller-Meeks, who voted to elect Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas) as speaker. “Someone who threatens another with bodily harm or tries to suppress differing opinions undermines opportunity for unity and regard for freedom of speech.”
Jordan’s office responded denouncing the threats to Miller-Meeks.
“This is abhorrent and has no place in civil discourse,” Russell Dye, a Jordan spokesperson, said. “No one should receive threats and it needs to stop. We have condemned these actions repeatedly. It is important that Republicans stop attacking each other and come together.”
Rep. Bacon Sees No Hope For Jordan
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), a key holdout on Jordan’s bid for the speakership, said in back-to-back interviews with Fox News and CNN that Jordan has no shot and should withdraw.
“We’re confident, next vote, he’s going to lose five or six more votes. He’s going to be going backwards,” Bacon told Fox.
On CNN, Bacon said there are two main factions working against Jordan: “You have some group that’s worked with him, going back 10 years, and they’ve worked with him on appropriations, more senior folks, where he’s caught creating a lot of chaos.”
“I’m in the other camp, where I don’t like how we got here,” Bacon said, noting how McCarthy was deposed with help from a small number of Republicans.
Asked if it also bothered him that Jordan pushed former President Donald Trump’s false claims about the 2020 presidential election, Bacon replied: “Well, I disagreed with it, obviously.”
“We’re confident, next vote, he’s going to lose five or six more votes. He’s going to be going backwards,” Bacon told Fox.
On CNN, Bacon said there are two main factions working against Jordan: “You have some group that’s worked with him, going back 10 years, and they’ve worked with him on appropriations, more senior folks, where he’s caught creating a lot of chaos.”
“I’m in the other camp, where I don’t like how we got here,” Bacon said, noting how McCarthy was deposed with help from a small number of Republicans.
Asked if it also bothered him that Jordan pushed former President Donald Trump’s false claims about the 2020 presidential election, Bacon replied: “Well, I disagreed with it, obviously.”
Update: Next Vote Planned For Thursday
Jim Jordan: No More Votes Today
Jordan told reporters they shouldn't expect another vote today, NBC reports.
Jordan maintains he will stay in the race.
Jordan maintains he will stay in the race.
Report: No More Votes Today
Politico reports the House is done voting for the day.
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GOP Rep. Thinks Republicans Just Need A Vacation
In the middle of the House Speaker chaos, Rep. Mike Garcia (R-Calif.) told reporters that if he were the chamber’s leader, he’d arrange for the GOP to take a little jaunt out of D.C.
“If I was in a leadership position, I would take us off site somewhere. It sounds silly, but let’s go to Gettysburg or something,” he told reporters. “Let’s go to somewhere that is meaningful to our nation’s history so that the Republican Party can once again remember why we do what we do.”
He also suggested Manassas, Virginia – where two Civil War battles were fought – as a possibility.
“If I was in a leadership position, I would take us off site somewhere. It sounds silly, but let’s go to Gettysburg or something,” he told reporters. “Let’s go to somewhere that is meaningful to our nation’s history so that the Republican Party can once again remember why we do what we do.”
He also suggested Manassas, Virginia – where two Civil War battles were fought – as a possibility.
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Jim Jordan Defectors Address Threats
Several Republicans who didn’t vote for Jordan are speaking out about facing threats because of their votes.
“This was a vote of conscience and I stayed true to my principles. Intimidation and threats will not change my position,” Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas) tweeted.
Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.) issued a similar statement.
“I was a helicopter pilot in the United States Navy…threats and intimidation tactics will not change my principles and values,” she said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Rep. John Rutherford (R-Fla.) blamed Jordan for threats that he, his staff and his colleagues’ families are facing. “He’s absolutely responsible for it,” he said, The Washington Post reported.
And after robocalls targeting his lack of support for Jordan went out in his district, Rep. Carlos Giménez (R-Fla.) told Jordan on a phone call, “‘I don’t really take well to threats,” according to NBC News.
All of their remarks follow an NBC News report this morning confirming that before Jordan’s first defeat, the wife of Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) received anonymous threatening messages. One read: "Your husband will not hold any political office ever again. Your husband will not hold any political office ever again. What a disappoint [sic] and failure he is."
“This was a vote of conscience and I stayed true to my principles. Intimidation and threats will not change my position,” Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas) tweeted.
Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.) issued a similar statement.
“I was a helicopter pilot in the United States Navy…threats and intimidation tactics will not change my principles and values,” she said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Rep. John Rutherford (R-Fla.) blamed Jordan for threats that he, his staff and his colleagues’ families are facing. “He’s absolutely responsible for it,” he said, The Washington Post reported.
And after robocalls targeting his lack of support for Jordan went out in his district, Rep. Carlos Giménez (R-Fla.) told Jordan on a phone call, “‘I don’t really take well to threats,” according to NBC News.
All of their remarks follow an NBC News report this morning confirming that before Jordan’s first defeat, the wife of Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) received anonymous threatening messages. One read: "Your husband will not hold any political office ever again. Your husband will not hold any political office ever again. What a disappoint [sic] and failure he is."
One Defector Pushes Back On Robocalls
Rep. Carlos Gimenez (Fla.), one of the Republicans who voted against Jordan in both Tuesday and Wednesday's votes, said robocall campaigns pressuring him to back for Jordan won't work.
"He told me that he wasn't behind it, and he's asked people to stop, but if you've asked people to stop it. Why aren't they listening to you?" Gimenez said, according to CNN.
“I told him, ‘I don’t really take well to threats," he added, according to NBC News.
"He told me that he wasn't behind it, and he's asked people to stop, but if you've asked people to stop it. Why aren't they listening to you?" Gimenez said, according to CNN.
“I told him, ‘I don’t really take well to threats," he added, according to NBC News.
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Jordan Not Dropping Out Yet
Asked about the possibility of a third vote, Jordan spokesperson Russell Dyetoldreporters, “We’re going to keep going.”
Outside the Capitol, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) told reporters he understood why Jordan would want to keep the voting momentum going.
“You can’t let it go too long without votes … members will start talking,” Donalds said.
McCarthy went through 15 rounds of voting before being elected speaker earlier this year.
Outside the Capitol, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) told reporters he understood why Jordan would want to keep the voting momentum going.
“You can’t let it go too long without votes … members will start talking,” Donalds said.
McCarthy went through 15 rounds of voting before being elected speaker earlier this year.
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Texas Congressman Extremely Opposed To Expanding McHenry’s Role
Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) said he was committed to as many rounds of voting as necessary to put Jordan in the speaker’s chair.
Speaking outside the Capitol, Roy said he was “virulently oppose[d]” to discussion of a bipartisan deal that would expand the powers of House speaker pro tempore Patrick McHenry, as some Democrats and Republicans have suggested.
“To do that would be playing games with the third in line to the presidency,” Roy said.
Speaking outside the Capitol, Roy said he was “virulently oppose[d]” to discussion of a bipartisan deal that would expand the powers of House speaker pro tempore Patrick McHenry, as some Democrats and Republicans have suggested.
“To do that would be playing games with the third in line to the presidency,” Roy said.
House In Recess
With no speaker elected, the House is now in recess again.
The Republicans are scheduled to conference shortly, but it's not immediately clear if Jordan will make a third bid for the speaker's gavel.
The Republicans are scheduled to conference shortly, but it's not immediately clear if Jordan will make a third bid for the speaker's gavel.
Read More On Wednesday's Vote
For all the details on Jordan's second failed attempt at becoming speaker, read this Capitol Hill dispatch from HuffPost's Arthur Delaney:
Just 2 Representatives Flipped For Jordan, While 4 Flipped Against
Reps. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) and Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.) both voted for Jordan Wednesday after submitting protest votes the day prior.
Five representatives flipped against, however, eroding Jordan’s overall tally to just 199: Reps. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), Drew Ferguson (R-Ga.), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Calif.), and Pete Stauber (R-Minn.).
Five representatives flipped against, however, eroding Jordan’s overall tally to just 199: Reps. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), Drew Ferguson (R-Ga.), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Calif.), and Pete Stauber (R-Minn.).
AP
Jordan Loses Second Speaker Vote
Jordan has officially lost his second attempt at becoming speaker. Despite a handful of flips in his favor, he ended the second round with fewer votes than before.
Jordan received 199 votes, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries received 212 and other candidates (including Scalise, McCarthy and former House Speaker John Boehner) received 22 votes.
Jordan received 199 votes, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries received 212 and other candidates (including Scalise, McCarthy and former House Speaker John Boehner) received 22 votes.
Scalise Votes For Jordan
Former House speaker nominee Scalise voted for Jordan Wednesday, as he did the day prior.
The vote would seem to make peace with Jordan’s efforts to pressure Scalise loyalists Tuesday by leaking a meeting between the two before the vote.
The vote would seem to make peace with Jordan’s efforts to pressure Scalise loyalists Tuesday by leaking a meeting between the two before the vote.
22 Republicans Against Jim Jordan
Rep. Steve Womack (R-Ark.) again votes against Jordan, selecting Scalise instead.
More Defections Than Yesterday
Rep. Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) votes for Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), marking 21 votes against Jordan.
There are officially more Republicans voting against Jordan than in yesterday’s vote.
There are officially more Republicans voting against Jordan than in yesterday’s vote.
We're Up To 20 Votes Against Jordan Again
Rep. Michael Simpson (R-Idaho) votes for Scalise, bringing the total of defections up to 20: the same amount of Republicans who voted against Jordan yesterday.
19 Against Jordan
Rep. John Rutherford (R-Fla.) votes for Scalise, marking 19 votes against Jordan.
18 Against Jordan
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) votes for Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas).
She's the third Republican to flip her vote away from Jordan in today's vote.
She's the third Republican to flip her vote away from Jordan in today's vote.
Doug LaMalfa Flips For Jordan
Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) voted for Jordan Wednesday, a day after casting a protest vote for McCarthy.
LaMalfa said in a statement he’d voted for McCarthy “out of a strong conviction that what has been happening in Washington, D.C., the last two weeks is very wrong.”
LaMalfa said in a statement he’d voted for McCarthy “out of a strong conviction that what has been happening in Washington, D.C., the last two weeks is very wrong.”
A Vote For... John Boehner?
Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) votes for former House Speaker John Boehner, who retired in 2015.
A couple other Republicans have also voted against Jordan: Jen Kiggans of Virginia votes for McCarthy, Nick LaLota of New York picks Zeldin, and Mike Lawler of New York votes for McCarthy, bringing the total up to 17.
A couple other Republicans have also voted against Jordan: Jen Kiggans of Virginia votes for McCarthy, Nick LaLota of New York picks Zeldin, and Mike Lawler of New York votes for McCarthy, bringing the total up to 17.
Thirteen Votes Against Jordan
Rep. John James (R-Mich.) votes for former Rep. Candice Miller, also of Michigan.
We Now Have Twelve Votes Against Jordan
Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.) also votes for Zeldin, while Rep. Carlos Giminez (R- Fla.) selects McCarthy, and Reps. Tony Gonzalez (R-Texas) and Kay Granger (R-Texas) vote for Scalise.
Another Defection
Rep. Drew Ferguson (R-Ga.) votes for Scalise.
Now Up To Seven Defections, Dooming Jordan's Chances
Rep. Anthony D'Esposito (N.Y.) votes for former Rep. Lee Zeldin (N.Y.), Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (Fla.) goes for Scalise and Rep. Jake Ellzey (Texas) selects Mike Garcia (Calif.)
It's now all but certain Jordan's bid for speakership will fail again on this votes.
It's now all but certain Jordan's bid for speakership will fail again on this votes.
Democrats Signal An Openness To Empowering Patrick McHenry
As another day of speaker drama gets underway, some Democrats in the House are suggesting a bipartisan effort to formally elect Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.), who’s currently serving as acting speaker.
Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) told Politico Democrats would stipulate some “very reasonable conditions” in exchange. The effort seems to have the backing of Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who told the outlet that “all options are on the table” to end what he called “the Republican civil war.”
Rep. David Joyce (R-Ohio) reportedly intends to file a motion Wednesday to elect McHenry.
“After two weeks without a Speaker of the House and no clear candidate with 217 votes in the Republican conference, it is time to look at other viable options,” Joyce told NBC.
Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) told Politico Democrats would stipulate some “very reasonable conditions” in exchange. The effort seems to have the backing of Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who told the outlet that “all options are on the table” to end what he called “the Republican civil war.”
Rep. David Joyce (R-Ohio) reportedly intends to file a motion Wednesday to elect McHenry.
“After two weeks without a Speaker of the House and no clear candidate with 217 votes in the Republican conference, it is time to look at other viable options,” Joyce told NBC.
Four Defections Against Jordan
So far, four Republicans have voted against Jordan: Reps. Don Bacon, Vern Buchanan,Ken Buck, and Lori Chavez-DeRemer.
Second Round Of Voting Begins
The second round of voting is officially underway. Defections on the GOP side have already begun: Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) picked McCarthy.
Aguilar Nominates Jeffries
Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) again stood to nominate House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) after doing so on Tuesday.
“One thing was very clear yesterday: The vote total, 212 to 200,” Aguilar said, pointing out how Jeffries actually had more support than any one Republican. (The speaker needs to secure a majority of the entire body, which no candidate managed to do on Tuesday.)
“No amount of election denying is going to take away from those vote totals,” he joked.
“One thing was very clear yesterday: The vote total, 212 to 200,” Aguilar said, pointing out how Jeffries actually had more support than any one Republican. (The speaker needs to secure a majority of the entire body, which no candidate managed to do on Tuesday.)
“No amount of election denying is going to take away from those vote totals,” he joked.
Cole Nominates Jordan
Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) stood to nominate Jordan. He began by noting how he fought to keep McCarthy, predicting his ouster would lead to the chaos seen over the last two weeks.
“We have a chance today to end that chaos and end that uncertainty,” Cole said.
He said of Jordan: “I don’t know anybody who’s done more to highlight and talk about the border disaster that is underway right now as we speak. ... You ain’t going to have immigration reform until we have border security.”
“We have a chance today to end that chaos and end that uncertainty,” Cole said.
He said of Jordan: “I don’t know anybody who’s done more to highlight and talk about the border disaster that is underway right now as we speak. ... You ain’t going to have immigration reform until we have border security.”
A Bleak Outlook For Jim Jordan Ahead Of Round 2
No one expects Jordan to win this upcoming speaker vote. It’s doubtful anyone expects him to cut his losses from the 20 Republican votes yesterday, even though he should get at least one new vote in Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), who will be in attendance today after missing yesterday.
Instead, the question will be how many votes he loses and compared to what?
Some of Jordan’s allies are already trying to deflate expectations by signaling he will lose this vote by substantially more than yesterday. Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) took a shot at setting expectations in a social media post early Wednesday. “Just so there’s no surprises: Jordan will likely have FEWER votes today than yesterday — as I expected."
Another Republican who voted for Jordan, Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), reportedly said he expects 28 defections and thinks the vote totals will go lower before they eventually turn higher.
Under these scenarios, any vote total Jordan gets with only a few more defections than the 20 yesterday will be spun as a victory, even if it means he actually lost ground.
Instead, the question will be how many votes he loses and compared to what?
Some of Jordan’s allies are already trying to deflate expectations by signaling he will lose this vote by substantially more than yesterday. Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) took a shot at setting expectations in a social media post early Wednesday. “Just so there’s no surprises: Jordan will likely have FEWER votes today than yesterday — as I expected."
Another Republican who voted for Jordan, Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), reportedly said he expects 28 defections and thinks the vote totals will go lower before they eventually turn higher.
Under these scenarios, any vote total Jordan gets with only a few more defections than the 20 yesterday will be spun as a victory, even if it means he actually lost ground.
Quorum Voting Underway
Members of the House are voting to establish how many of them are present on Wednesday morning ahead of a second round of voting to elect a speaker.
Don Bacon's Wife Gets Anonymous Texts To Pressure Husband: Reports
The wife of Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) received anonymous cautionary messages about her husband before Jordan lost Tuesday's speaker vote, according to NBC News and Politico.
Some statements suggested that there would be political consequences if Bacon did not back Jordan. He instead voted for McCarthy.
“Why is your husband causing chaos by not supporting Jim Jordan? I thought he was a team player," one text reportedly stated.
Some statements suggested that there would be political consequences if Bacon did not back Jordan. He instead voted for McCarthy.
“Why is your husband causing chaos by not supporting Jim Jordan? I thought he was a team player," one text reportedly stated.
Voting To Resume At 11 A.M.
The House is set to vote a second time Wednesday on Jordan's nomination for speaker, starting at 11 a.m. ET.
An unnamed GOP lawmaker who backs Jordan told NBC News that the list of Republicans voting against him will likely grow today.
An unnamed GOP lawmaker who backs Jordan told NBC News that the list of Republicans voting against him will likely grow today.
ANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images
Newt Gingrich Thinks Jim Jordan Will Get Fewer Votes In Next Tally
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) said Tuesday he had spoken to several Republican lawmakers and thinks Jordan is set to get “fewer — not more — votes” when the party resumes its speaker selection process on Wednesday.
“If that happens, we can’t sit around and suck our thumbs and hope the world will wait until the House Republicans get their act together,” Gingrich told Fox News. “Every day we’re closer to the end of the continuing resolution. Every day we’re close to a huge aid package for Israel that has to be passed. Every day we are failing to do the investigations we need to be doing”
“If Jordan can win, I’m totally for him,” he added. “But, I also understand numbers.”
The former lawmaker went on to say he has “no faith” that any of the GOPers opposing Jordan will switch their votes.
“If that happens, we can’t sit around and suck our thumbs and hope the world will wait until the House Republicans get their act together,” Gingrich told Fox News. “Every day we’re closer to the end of the continuing resolution. Every day we’re close to a huge aid package for Israel that has to be passed. Every day we are failing to do the investigations we need to be doing”
“If Jordan can win, I’m totally for him,” he added. “But, I also understand numbers.”
The former lawmaker went on to say he has “no faith” that any of the GOPers opposing Jordan will switch their votes.
Jim Jordan Makes Appeal To Colleagues: 'There's Too Much At Stake'
Jordan urged his colleagues in a late-night missive to “stop attacking each other and come together.”
“There’s too much at stake,” he wrote on X. “Let’s get back to working on the crisis at the southern border, inflation, and helping Israel.”
“There’s too much at stake,” he wrote on X. “Let’s get back to working on the crisis at the southern border, inflation, and helping Israel.”
Two Former GOP Speakers Endorse More Power For McHenry
Two former Republican House Speakers – John Boehner and Newt Gingrich – both endorsed expanding the powers of Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry on Tuesday night.
Giving additional powers to McHenry, a staunch ally of McCarthy who has better relations with Democrats than most of the other potential Republican leaders, has been floated repeatedly since it became clear the GOP would not be able to quickly settle on a new speaker.
The details of what those powers would be remain up in the air, but many have suggested at least giving him the ability to call up legislation aiming to aid Israel or Ukraine.
Neither Boehner nor Gingrich are strangers to the internal chaos of the House GOP: Both have both participated in coups against a GOP leader and been the victim of them.
Giving additional powers to McHenry, a staunch ally of McCarthy who has better relations with Democrats than most of the other potential Republican leaders, has been floated repeatedly since it became clear the GOP would not be able to quickly settle on a new speaker.
The details of what those powers would be remain up in the air, but many have suggested at least giving him the ability to call up legislation aiming to aid Israel or Ukraine.
Neither Boehner nor Gingrich are strangers to the internal chaos of the House GOP: Both have both participated in coups against a GOP leader and been the victim of them.
Hakeem Jeffries Suggests Democrats Open To Additional Powers For Interim Speaker
Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said Democrats remained focused on seeing the House reopened, suggesting Tuesday the party was open to giving additional powers to interim Speaker Patrick McHenry (R-Fla.).
“Our focus right now relates not just to any one individual but to getting the institution reopened,” Jeffries told reporters. “I have respect for Patrick McHenry, I think he’s respected on our side of the aisle. There are a whole host of other Republicans who are respected on our side of the aisle.”
“Jim Jordan is not one of them,” Jeffries added.
“Our focus right now relates not just to any one individual but to getting the institution reopened,” Jeffries told reporters. “I have respect for Patrick McHenry, I think he’s respected on our side of the aisle. There are a whole host of other Republicans who are respected on our side of the aisle.”
“Jim Jordan is not one of them,” Jeffries added.
Nancy Pelosi 'Sad' For GOP, Thinks They Need Math Skills
Former longtime House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) suggested that Republicans revisit some basic math skills, saying it was depressing to watch them keep failing to elect a speaker.
“I feel sad for the institution,” Pelosi told reporters as she walked off the House floor, shortly after Jordan fell short in his vote to become speaker. “I think it’s sad that they’re getting worse and worse.”
“They should take a lesson in mathematics and learn how to count."
Read more here:
“I feel sad for the institution,” Pelosi told reporters as she walked off the House floor, shortly after Jordan fell short in his vote to become speaker. “I think it’s sad that they’re getting worse and worse.”
“They should take a lesson in mathematics and learn how to count."
Read more here:
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Voting Will Resume Tomorrow
Despite calls from Republicans to immediately hold a second vote, Jordan confirmed that the next vote won’t take place until tomorrow at 11 a.m. This gives him more time to potentially flip some of his opponents.
Jordan Asked Scalise For Help: Reports
In a closed-door meeting with Republican leaders, Jordan asked Scalise for help persuading the holdouts, according to CNN’s Annie Grayer and otherreporters at the Capitol. Scalise was reportedly noncommittal, less than one week after chaos in the GOP caucus abruptly ended his own bid for the role.
GOP Rep. Dismisses Pro-Jordan Strategy
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) said that Jordan's efforts to put pressure on his colleagues to vote for him for speaker — to bully them, if you will — haven't worked out so well.
"I think some of the pressure campaigns have backfired," Donalds said on Fox News. "They have not worked."
Some Republicans have bristled at Jordan's hardball tactics, which have included using his relationship with Fox News’ Sean Hannity and his associates to pressure holdout GOP members to line up behind Jordan. At least one Republican lawmaker heard directly from Hannity; another claimed he or she was threatened with a primary challenger.
Donalds, a Jordan supporter, said some of his colleagues told him the pressure from Hannity is "just not what they needed.” He called on his party to pause and sort out its next steps for making Jordan the next speaker.
"Let the members work and figure this out amongst ourselves," he said, "so we can elect Jim Jordan as speaker and then we can get back to the work that we have to do.
"I think some of the pressure campaigns have backfired," Donalds said on Fox News. "They have not worked."
Some Republicans have bristled at Jordan's hardball tactics, which have included using his relationship with Fox News’ Sean Hannity and his associates to pressure holdout GOP members to line up behind Jordan. At least one Republican lawmaker heard directly from Hannity; another claimed he or she was threatened with a primary challenger.
Donalds, a Jordan supporter, said some of his colleagues told him the pressure from Hannity is "just not what they needed.” He called on his party to pause and sort out its next steps for making Jordan the next speaker.
"Let the members work and figure this out amongst ourselves," he said, "so we can elect Jim Jordan as speaker and then we can get back to the work that we have to do.
Call for Second Vote
Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) is asking the interim speaker pro tem, Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-Fla.), to open up the House floor again and hold a second vote on who will be speaker.
Diaz-Balart has been a steadfast "no" on Jordan so far, so this could potentially indicate two things: a) he figures Jordan still lacks the votes so call for another losing vote to keep pressure on; or b) he's worried Jordan may be making progress in talks with holdouts and wants to interrupt that.
Reps. Steve Womack (R-Ark.) and Kay Granger (R-Texas) immediately backed Diaz-Balart's request.
“The House needs to get back to work now,” Granger tweeted.
“We need to bring this to the floor ASAP and get to the work of the American people,” Womack also wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Diaz-Balart has been a steadfast "no" on Jordan so far, so this could potentially indicate two things: a) he figures Jordan still lacks the votes so call for another losing vote to keep pressure on; or b) he's worried Jordan may be making progress in talks with holdouts and wants to interrupt that.
Reps. Steve Womack (R-Ark.) and Kay Granger (R-Texas) immediately backed Diaz-Balart's request.
“The House needs to get back to work now,” Granger tweeted.
“We need to bring this to the floor ASAP and get to the work of the American people,” Womack also wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Democrats Won’t Let GOP Moderates Off The Hook For Jordan
Democrats won’t let Republicans from districts that President Joe Biden carried in 2020 forget their votes backing Jordan for speaker, no matter how it shakes out.
“12 vulnerable Republicans representing districts won by President Biden just voted to walk their own reelection hopes off the plank by embracing the extremist MAGA agenda and voting for Jim Jordan,” Democratic House Majority PAC spokesperson C.J. Warnke said — previewing how Democrats will likely message the speakership drama next year, when Republicans will be defending a slim House majority.
Even if Jordan doesn’t become speaker, national Democrats will point to this saga to remind voters of the House’s dysfunction under GOP rule.
The House currently has 18 Republicans seated in districts Biden won.
“12 vulnerable Republicans representing districts won by President Biden just voted to walk their own reelection hopes off the plank by embracing the extremist MAGA agenda and voting for Jim Jordan,” Democratic House Majority PAC spokesperson C.J. Warnke said — previewing how Democrats will likely message the speakership drama next year, when Republicans will be defending a slim House majority.
Even if Jordan doesn’t become speaker, national Democrats will point to this saga to remind voters of the House’s dysfunction under GOP rule.
The House currently has 18 Republicans seated in districts Biden won.
Conservative Media Campaign Backfired, Sen. Mullin Suggests
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), who served for a decade in the House before winning a Senate seat in 2022, told HuffPost a pressure campaign run by conservative media outlets and activist groups may have done more to harm Jordan’s speakership bid than help it.
Calling the campaign “stupid,” Mullin said he spoke with one House member who – despite publicly backing Jordan – was nonetheless inundated with more than 1,000 phone calls imploring him to do so.
“He said it almost made me switch my vote,” said Mullin, who was on the House floor during the vote. “It was a very, very, very dumb move.”
Mullin, who made some not-safe-for-work claims about Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) after Gaetz successfully ousted McCarthy, predicted the GOP might need to return to the Californian.
“If Jordan doesn't get it, at some point they've gotta start looking at McCarthy again," he added
Calling the campaign “stupid,” Mullin said he spoke with one House member who – despite publicly backing Jordan – was nonetheless inundated with more than 1,000 phone calls imploring him to do so.
“He said it almost made me switch my vote,” said Mullin, who was on the House floor during the vote. “It was a very, very, very dumb move.”
Mullin, who made some not-safe-for-work claims about Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) after Gaetz successfully ousted McCarthy, predicted the GOP might need to return to the Californian.
“If Jordan doesn't get it, at some point they've gotta start looking at McCarthy again," he added
More Details From The First Vote
As we wait for details on when House Republicans will vote again, here's more from HuffPost's Arthur Delaney on Jordan's defeat in the first round of voting:
More Republicans Reportedly Defecting From Jim Jordan
A GOP lawmaker told NBC News that they know of 5 to 6 Jordan supporters who won’t vote for him on the second round of voting.
AP
Speakership Is ‘The Worst Job In America,’ Jordan Defector Says
Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.), one of the 20 Republicans who voted against Jordan in the first round, told CNN that being House speaker is “the worst job in America.”
“Mike Rowe wouldn't want to do this for his TV show. This is a terrible job," Buck said, referring to the host of the Discovery show “Dirty Jobs.”
Buck added there’s “no way” he’ll cast a vote for Jordan.
“Mike Rowe wouldn't want to do this for his TV show. This is a terrible job," Buck said, referring to the host of the Discovery show “Dirty Jobs.”
Buck added there’s “no way” he’ll cast a vote for Jordan.
Jordan's Office: 'Expect Another Round Of Votes Today'
It appears losing the first round of votes has not deterred Jordan:
McCarthy Not Calling On Jordan To Drop Out
Asked by a reporter whether his confidence in Jordan reflected an “irrational optimism,” McCarthy responded, “That’s just a negative question.”
The former speaker pointed out that he was eventually elected after a poor showing in the first round of voting back in January. Then, despite the fact his party controls the House, he blamed Democrats for its current messy predicament.
The former speaker pointed out that he was eventually elected after a poor showing in the first round of voting back in January. Then, despite the fact his party controls the House, he blamed Democrats for its current messy predicament.
AP
Some Republicans Lose Faith In Jim Jordan
Republicans are starting to lose faith in Jordan, several of them told reporters after the Ohio congressman failed to muster enough support during the first round of voting.
Rep. Carlos Gimenez (Fla.), who voted against him, called Jordan’s chances “shaky,” while Rep. Michael McCaul (Texas), who voted for Jordan, said he does not “see how he can recover” with so many defectors on the first round of voting.
Jordan’s supporters also told Fox News that they’re losing confidence in him. “I’m afraid there will be more votes against him,” an unnamed senior Republican told the network.
Rep. Carlos Gimenez (Fla.), who voted against him, called Jordan’s chances “shaky,” while Rep. Michael McCaul (Texas), who voted for Jordan, said he does not “see how he can recover” with so many defectors on the first round of voting.
Jordan’s supporters also told Fox News that they’re losing confidence in him. “I’m afraid there will be more votes against him,” an unnamed senior Republican told the network.
The History of Jim Jordan’s Very Badly Gerrymandered House District
If Jordan becomes House speaker, it will be partly because an extreme partisan gerrymander helped him remain in Congress for as long as he has.
Jordan hails from Ohio’s 4th Congressional District, a mostly rural, deeply red swath of west-central Ohio that, between 2010 and 2020, was shaped roughly like a duck, stretching from practically the Indiana border to the Lake Erie shoreline.
Jordan’s district was carved out in a congressional map drawn by Ohio Republicans and designed to concentrate power in as many GOP districts as possible, which explains its bizarre contours.
Before the latest round of congressional reapportionment in 2020, the 4th District was routinely ranked as one of the worst gerrymandered House seats in the country. And throughout that time it did precisely what it was designed to do — elect Jordan by massive margins.
The latest round of districting made Jordan’s district a bit less… mallard-like. But it didn’t impact his electoral outcome. In 2022, Jordan still won 69% of votes.
Ohio voters green-lit reforms in 2015 and 2018 designed to stamp out partisan gerrymandering. But after those reforms failed to have much of a material impact on the maps produced, voting-rights advocates are again taking their fight to the ballot box, attempting to collect enough signatures to put another round of reform measures in front of voters in 2024.
It’s not clear yet what impact it might have on Jordan’s district, but it could be significant if the state is forced to adopt radically more balanced maps without Republicans controlling the process. The group pushing the reforms, Citizens Not Politicians, wants to create a new bipartisan redistricting commission that bans all politicians, lobbyists and donors as members. It also wants to make it unconstitutional for the map-drawing process to discriminate against a particular political party or politician, meaning Republicans will no longer be able to use the process to unfairly advantage their own.
Jordan hails from Ohio’s 4th Congressional District, a mostly rural, deeply red swath of west-central Ohio that, between 2010 and 2020, was shaped roughly like a duck, stretching from practically the Indiana border to the Lake Erie shoreline.
Jordan’s district was carved out in a congressional map drawn by Ohio Republicans and designed to concentrate power in as many GOP districts as possible, which explains its bizarre contours.
Before the latest round of congressional reapportionment in 2020, the 4th District was routinely ranked as one of the worst gerrymandered House seats in the country. And throughout that time it did precisely what it was designed to do — elect Jordan by massive margins.
The latest round of districting made Jordan’s district a bit less… mallard-like. But it didn’t impact his electoral outcome. In 2022, Jordan still won 69% of votes.
Ohio voters green-lit reforms in 2015 and 2018 designed to stamp out partisan gerrymandering. But after those reforms failed to have much of a material impact on the maps produced, voting-rights advocates are again taking their fight to the ballot box, attempting to collect enough signatures to put another round of reform measures in front of voters in 2024.
It’s not clear yet what impact it might have on Jordan’s district, but it could be significant if the state is forced to adopt radically more balanced maps without Republicans controlling the process. The group pushing the reforms, Citizens Not Politicians, wants to create a new bipartisan redistricting commission that bans all politicians, lobbyists and donors as members. It also wants to make it unconstitutional for the map-drawing process to discriminate against a particular political party or politician, meaning Republicans will no longer be able to use the process to unfairly advantage their own.
The Expectations Game
The House has gaveled out “subject to the call of the chair” (until Republicans decide to take another speaker vote on floor).
This was a defeat for Jordan, but how bad of a defeat depends on how you measure.
McCarthy had 208 votes when he was deposed. So Jordan came in well short of that. McCarthy still has adherents within the Republican conference, and even today Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) floated his name as a candidate if Jordan crashed and burned. (McCarthy also received six votes today.)
But Jordan last week in a secret ballot in the GOP conference had 55 Republicans say they would vote against him. On the floor, it was only 20. By that metric, he made huge progress.
The Jordan strategy has appeared to be one of flushing out the opposition and pressuring them publicly to switch. That could have worked with only a handful of “no” votes. But 20? With the possibility some voted for him knowing it didn’t matter and could switch to “no” on another round? That may be another question.
This was a defeat for Jordan, but how bad of a defeat depends on how you measure.
McCarthy had 208 votes when he was deposed. So Jordan came in well short of that. McCarthy still has adherents within the Republican conference, and even today Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) floated his name as a candidate if Jordan crashed and burned. (McCarthy also received six votes today.)
But Jordan last week in a secret ballot in the GOP conference had 55 Republicans say they would vote against him. On the floor, it was only 20. By that metric, he made huge progress.
The Jordan strategy has appeared to be one of flushing out the opposition and pressuring them publicly to switch. That could have worked with only a handful of “no” votes. But 20? With the possibility some voted for him knowing it didn’t matter and could switch to “no” on another round? That may be another question.
House Now In Recess
The House is now in recess as Republicans figure out their next steps. It's unclear when they will vote again.
Key Moment
20 Republicans Refuse Jordan
Here’s the breakdown among GOP defectors.
Seven voted for Scalise: Reps. Mario Diaz Balart (R-Fla.), Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), Kay Granger (R-Texas), Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), John Rutherford (R-Fla.), Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), Steve Womack (R-Ark.)
Six voted for McCarthy: Reps. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.), Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Carlos Jimenez (R-Fla.), Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.)
Three voted for former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y): Reps. Anthony D’Esposito (R-N.Y.), Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.), Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.)
One voted for Rep. Mike Garcia (R-Calif.): Rep. Jake Ellzey (R-Texas)
One voted for House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Mich.): Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.)
One voted for Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.): Rep. John James (R-Mich.)
One voted for Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.): Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.)
Seven voted for Scalise: Reps. Mario Diaz Balart (R-Fla.), Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), Kay Granger (R-Texas), Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), John Rutherford (R-Fla.), Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), Steve Womack (R-Ark.)
Six voted for McCarthy: Reps. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.), Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Carlos Jimenez (R-Fla.), Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.)
Three voted for former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y): Reps. Anthony D’Esposito (R-N.Y.), Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.), Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.)
One voted for Rep. Mike Garcia (R-Calif.): Rep. Jake Ellzey (R-Texas)
One voted for House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Mich.): Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.)
One voted for Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.): Rep. John James (R-Mich.)
One voted for Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.): Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.)
Getty Images
Jim Jordan Officially Loses First Vote In His Speaker Bid
No candidate was able to get enough votes to become speaker, meaning more rounds of voting are likely to follow. No one voted “present,” so 217 would have been the number to hit.
Jordan received 200 votes.
Jeffries received 212 votes.
The remaining 20 members voted for other Republicans, including McCarthy and Scalise.
Jordan received 200 votes.
Jeffries received 212 votes.
The remaining 20 members voted for other Republicans, including McCarthy and Scalise.
Even More GOP Defections
Votes are in from some of the members who missed the initial roll call vote, and we now have several more GOP defections: Ken Buck (R-Colo.) votes for Tom Emmer (R-Mich.), Rep. John James (R-Mich.) votes for Tom Cole (R-Okla.), Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) votes for McCarthy and Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.) votes for Thomas Massie (R-Ky.).
In total, 20 Republicans did not line up behind Jordan's speaker bid.
In total, 20 Republicans did not line up behind Jordan's speaker bid.
One More For Scalise
Rep. Steve Womack (R-Ark.) votes for Scalise, bringing defections up to 16.
We're Now Up To 15 Defections
Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) has also voted for Scalise, bringing the total of Republicans voting against Jordan to 15.
Scalise Backs Jordan
Jordan picked up support from opponent Scalise, who took himself out of the race last week amid Republican infighting.
Another Vote For Scalise
Rep. John Rutherford (R-Fla.) votes for Scalise over Jordan. That means 14 Republicans have defected so far.
McCarthy Backs Jordan
McCarthy elicited applause from his side of the aisle with his vote for Jordan.
Fox Host Brian Kilmeade Calls Rep. Don Bacon A ‘Dumbass’ For Voting McCarthy
On a hot mic – or maybe on purpose! – Fox News host Brian Kilmeade called Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) a “dumbass” for casting a vote for McCarthy rather than Jordan.
Fox News has been actively covering the speakership fight, to put it lightly. Axios reporter Juliegrace Brufke on Sunday published a aggressive email that one Republican lawmaker had received from the network, asking them "why during a war breaking out between Israel and Hamas, with the war in Ukraine, with the wide open borders, with a budget that unfinished why would [congressperson's name redacted] be against Rep Jim Jordan for speaker?”
Fox News has been actively covering the speakership fight, to put it lightly. Axios reporter Juliegrace Brufke on Sunday published a aggressive email that one Republican lawmaker had received from the network, asking them "why during a war breaking out between Israel and Hamas, with the war in Ukraine, with the wide open borders, with a budget that unfinished why would [congressperson's name redacted] be against Rep Jim Jordan for speaker?”
3 More Republicans Vote Against Jordan
Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.) votes for McCarthy, Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.) votes for Zeldin and Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y) votes for McCarthy.
A Reference to Jim Jordan’s Wrestling Career
In her speech nominating Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) to be House Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) made a passing reference to Jordan’s days as a champion wrestler and coach.
“Whether as Judiciary chair, conservative leader or representative for his constituents in west-central Ohio, whether on the wrestling mat or in the committee room, Jim Jordan is strategic, scrappy, tough and principled,” Stefanik said.
Jordan’s wrestling career is not all glory. Former wrestlers at Ohio State University, where Jordan was a wrestling coach from 1987 to 1995, have said Jordan knew about sexual abuse by a team doctor but did nothing to stop it. Jordan has repeatedly denied he ever knew about the abuse.
Here's a refresher on the allegations:
“Whether as Judiciary chair, conservative leader or representative for his constituents in west-central Ohio, whether on the wrestling mat or in the committee room, Jim Jordan is strategic, scrappy, tough and principled,” Stefanik said.
Jordan’s wrestling career is not all glory. Former wrestlers at Ohio State University, where Jordan was a wrestling coach from 1987 to 1995, have said Jordan knew about sexual abuse by a team doctor but did nothing to stop it. Jordan has repeatedly denied he ever knew about the abuse.
Here's a refresher on the allegations:
Two More Defections
Jordan loses two more votes: Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) and Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas) both vote for Scalise.
Jordan Doesn’t Have The Votes
Jordan failed to secure the necessary votes to win the speakership after multiple Republicans voted for other candidates.
Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.) voted for McCarthy, Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-N.Y.) voted for former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y) Rep. Mario Diaz Balart voted for Scalise, Rep. Jake Ellzey (R-Texas) voted for Rep. Mike Garcia (R-Calif.) and Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY.) voted for Zeldin.
Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.) voted for McCarthy, Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-N.Y.) voted for former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y) Rep. Mario Diaz Balart voted for Scalise, Rep. Jake Ellzey (R-Texas) voted for Rep. Mike Garcia (R-Calif.) and Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY.) voted for Zeldin.
Romney Roasts Jordan
Hoots From Democrats
House Democrats are feeling restless and chippy. With their role simply to vote for Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), they impatiently sat though Rep. Elise Stefanik’s (R-N.Y.) nominating speech for Jordan that included a litany of problems facing America, like inflation and a “weaponized government.”
“Jim Jordan will be 'we the people’s' speaker for such time as this,” she said.
But as she listed Jordan’s accomplishments and background she included his prowess “on the wrestling mat,” which drew hoots from the Democratic side of the aisle.
Jordan has been dogged by accusations of turning a blind eye to sexual abuse allegations in the wrestling program at Ohio State University in the 1980s and 1990s while he was a coach there. Jordan has denied those allegations.
“Jim Jordan will be 'we the people’s' speaker for such time as this,” she said.
But as she listed Jordan’s accomplishments and background she included his prowess “on the wrestling mat,” which drew hoots from the Democratic side of the aisle.
Jordan has been dogged by accusations of turning a blind eye to sexual abuse allegations in the wrestling program at Ohio State University in the 1980s and 1990s while he was a coach there. Jordan has denied those allegations.
Bacon Says No To Jordan
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) voted for McCarthy. He said Monday that he was "not budging" in his refusal to vote for Jordan, citing his military service.
Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) was not on the floor when his name was called.
Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) was not on the floor when his name was called.
Voting Begins
Acting House Speaker pro tempore Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) has called for a vote, putting Jordan’s bid to the test.
Aguilar Nominates Jeffries
Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) nominated Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) for the speakership. His odds are very slim, however, so Aguilar also took time to bash Jordan, listing bills the Ohio representative voted down on natural disaster aid and a number of other issues.
“House Republicans have just elected a speaker nominee who in 16 years in this Congress hasn't passed a single bill, because his focus has not been on the American people, his focus has been on peddling lies and conspiracy theories and driving division among the American people,” Aguilar said.
“House Republicans have just elected a speaker nominee who in 16 years in this Congress hasn't passed a single bill, because his focus has not been on the American people, his focus has been on peddling lies and conspiracy theories and driving division among the American people,” Aguilar said.
Stefanik Nominates Jordan
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) threw Jordan’s name into the ring as a candidate. She took swipes at President Joe Biden and nodded to the Israel-Hamas war before concluding, “Jim Jordan will be America’s speaker, for such a time as this.”
Reconnecting With The House
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) — formerly a congressman himself — was in the House chamber, catching up with Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), the former Agriculture committee chairman.
Lucas missed several weeks after sustaining an injury at his rural Oklahoma ranch in August that was serious enough for him to be taken to the hospital. He has been back in Washington recently but has been using a walker to get around.
Mullin is the senator who said Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) had showed some fellow lawmakers pictures on his phone of women he said he had slept with and that Gaetz had bragged about taking erectile dysfunction medicine and followed it with energy drinks.
Gaetz had denied those accusations.
Lucas missed several weeks after sustaining an injury at his rural Oklahoma ranch in August that was serious enough for him to be taken to the hospital. He has been back in Washington recently but has been using a walker to get around.
Mullin is the senator who said Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) had showed some fellow lawmakers pictures on his phone of women he said he had slept with and that Gaetz had bragged about taking erectile dysfunction medicine and followed it with energy drinks.
Gaetz had denied those accusations.
What’s Needed To Win
The new speaker of the House needs to secure a simple majority among those who show up to vote "yea" or "nay." So with 212 Democrats and 220 Republicans voting Tuesday — one Republican was absent — that number stands at 217 votes. That means any GOP candidate can only afford to lose four Republicans and still land the job. Voting "present" also changes the equation.
Jordan did not appear to have the support needed to win in the first round of voting as of early Tuesday. It remains unknown how many rounds will be called for by the end of the day; members can negotiate with one another between votes. In January, McCarthy endured 15 rounds of voting before finally becoming speaker in what turned out to be a short-lived role.
Jordan did not appear to have the support needed to win in the first round of voting as of early Tuesday. It remains unknown how many rounds will be called for by the end of the day; members can negotiate with one another between votes. In January, McCarthy endured 15 rounds of voting before finally becoming speaker in what turned out to be a short-lived role.
Getty Images
Pressure Tactics From The Right Backfire
Two more Republicans said before the vote that they would oppose Jim Jordan for speaker, putting HuffPost’s independently verified tally of the anti-Jordan faction at four.
Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) and Carlos Giménez (R-Fla.) said they would not support Jordan as they headed to the Capitol.
Diaz-Balart told reporters that pressure tactics — such as a Fox News producer’s weekend emails demanding answers for opposition to Jordan — would never work.
“I'm always open to negotiations and conversations, but the minute — the second — that anybody tries to intimidate or pressure me, that's when my door closes,” Diaz-Balart told reporters.
Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) and Carlos Giménez (R-Fla.) said they would not support Jordan as they headed to the Capitol.
Diaz-Balart told reporters that pressure tactics — such as a Fox News producer’s weekend emails demanding answers for opposition to Jordan — would never work.
“I'm always open to negotiations and conversations, but the minute — the second — that anybody tries to intimidate or pressure me, that's when my door closes,” Diaz-Balart told reporters.
Jim Jordan To CNN: I’ll Do ‘Whatever It Takes’ To Become Speaker Today
Heading into the House vote, Jordan told CNN reporter Manu Raju that he’s ready to go through as many rounds as it takes to become speaker on Tuesday.
“Whatever it takes to get a speaker today,” Jordan said.
“Whatever it takes to get a speaker today,” Jordan said.
House Begins Filing In
A few minutes before noon and an expected vote on whether Jordan should become the new speaker, the House chamber began filling.
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), the House conference chair, is sitting near the Republican-side lectern with a tally sheet to keep track of who’s voted.
Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), chairman of the House Rules Committee, is sitting near the well, the part of the floor closest to the podium. Cole’s name has been floated by a few people as a possible speaker candidate, mainly because he’s widely respected within the conference. But he has told HuffPost repeatedly he has no interest in the slot.
As with the election to unseat McCarthy from the speaker’s chair, the press gallery, located above the speaker’s podium and looking toward the back of the House chamber, is completely full. That only happens on significant votes and votes where the outcome is in doubt.
Both of those apply to this situation.
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), the House conference chair, is sitting near the Republican-side lectern with a tally sheet to keep track of who’s voted.
Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), chairman of the House Rules Committee, is sitting near the well, the part of the floor closest to the podium. Cole’s name has been floated by a few people as a possible speaker candidate, mainly because he’s widely respected within the conference. But he has told HuffPost repeatedly he has no interest in the slot.
As with the election to unseat McCarthy from the speaker’s chair, the press gallery, located above the speaker’s podium and looking toward the back of the House chamber, is completely full. That only happens on significant votes and votes where the outcome is in doubt.
Both of those apply to this situation.
Jim Jordan Is In Trouble
Reps. Kevin Buck (R-Colo.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.) told HuffPost on their way to the vote that they will vote against Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) in the first ballot on Tuesday.
Jordan can lose only four Republicans and still win the gavel. That Buck and Bacon are still opposed suggests Jordan will likely need more than one ballot to win.
Jordan met with Buck on Monday night but was unable to sway him. Buck’s top objection is that Jordan has refused to say the 2020 election was fair.
Jordan can lose only four Republicans and still win the gavel. That Buck and Bacon are still opposed suggests Jordan will likely need more than one ballot to win.
Jordan met with Buck on Monday night but was unable to sway him. Buck’s top objection is that Jordan has refused to say the 2020 election was fair.
Dem Rep: Most Moderate GOPers Told Me They Don’t Want Jim Jordan
Ahead of Tuesday’s vote on potentially electing Jordan as the next speaker, Ohio Democratic Rep. Greg Landsman said many centrists in the GOP conference have personally told him they oppose Jordan as their next leader.
“Most moderate Republicans I talk with don’t want Jordan,” Landsman said in a statement. “They’ve said it to me, and they voted that way last week behind closed doors.”
That fact that the Ohio Republican is even within striking distance of becoming speaker, said Landsman, is because he’s leveraged his ties to powerful people in conservative media to essentially bully people into voting for him.
“Trump, [Sean] Hannity, and Fox News have told Republican moderates that this is what they want, never mind what the American people want or what the country and the world needs,” he said. "The majority of the House wants a bipartisan Speaker. Yet, House Republicans are on the verge of voting for Trump’s January 6th partner in crime."
“Most moderate Republicans I talk with don’t want Jordan,” Landsman said in a statement. “They’ve said it to me, and they voted that way last week behind closed doors.”
That fact that the Ohio Republican is even within striking distance of becoming speaker, said Landsman, is because he’s leveraged his ties to powerful people in conservative media to essentially bully people into voting for him.
“Trump, [Sean] Hannity, and Fox News have told Republican moderates that this is what they want, never mind what the American people want or what the country and the world needs,” he said. "The majority of the House wants a bipartisan Speaker. Yet, House Republicans are on the verge of voting for Trump’s January 6th partner in crime."
Follow Along For Live Updates
We'll be watching to see whether the House manages to elect a speaker on Tuesday. Check back for more.