Jordan secures GOP Speaker nomination, but requires additional votes.
House Republicans Select Second Speaker Nominee, Prepare for Floor Vote
House Republicans have chosen their second nominee for speaker in just three days, signaling their determination to bring their candidate to a vote on the House floor. Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan emerged as the latest nominee, defeating Rep. Austin Scott in a 124-88 vote on Oct. 13.
This outcome follows five days of conference meetings and a previous failed nomination, setting the stage for a showdown between Mr. Jordan and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in the full House.
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10/12/2023After more than 10 days of inactivity, many GOP members expressed eagerness to restore full functionality to the House of Representatives. The body has been unable to conduct business since former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was removed from the chair on Oct. 3.
Representative Dusty Johnson acknowledged the difficulties of the past weeks, stating, “There have been lots of very legitimate grievances, and frankly a lot of mourning over the absolutely inexplicable and tragic motion to vacate last week. I think people are working through the stages of grief, and I think we’re getting to a point where people understand we got to get a speaker we get back to work.”
To secure support from Mr. Scott’s backers, Mr. Jordan requested a confirming ballot, which increased his total by 28 votes. However, with a dozen members absent and five fewer votes cast, it remains unclear where 69 Republicans stand on Mr. Jordan’s nomination.
The number needed to elect is 217 if all members are present and voting.
Tumultuous Week
Mr. Jordan, a veteran congressman and founding member of the House Freedom Caucus, was not the top choice for the majority of Republicans. Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was elected with 216 votes in January, and 213 Republicans voted to retain him on Oct. 3. However, he was removed by just 8 Republican votes, supported by 208 Democrats.
On Oct. 11, House Republicans gathered to nominate Mr. McCarthy’s replacement. Despite receiving the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, Mr. Jordan lost to Mr. Scalise. However, a small group of Mr. Jordan’s supporters refused to back the majority choice, leading to Mr. Scalise’s withdrawal from the race.
As frustrations grew, members called for an end to the disagreements. Representative Tom McClintock wrote, “Let’s start acting like the majority again,” while Representative Andy Ogles urged colleagues not to adjourn until a new Speaker is selected.
A significant number of Republicans are eager to resume work and are willing to support either Mr. Scalise or Mr. Jordan, or even consider an alternative candidate. Representative Nicole Malliotakis emphasized the need to prioritize governing over personal reasons.
On Oct. 13, House Republicans reconvened to reconcile their differences. Mr. Jordan and Mr. Scott declared their candidacies for the speakership, and after a midday break, Mr. Jordan emerged as the speaker designee.
Floor Vote Ahead
The election of a speaker now moves to the House floor, with the vote scheduled for Oct. 17. The delay in holding the vote allows lawmakers to attend to personal matters.
Efforts have been made to avoid a prolonged floor fight, similar to the one during Mr. McCarthy’s election. Rule changes were proposed to ensure near unanimity among Republicans, but ultimately, a simple majority vote will determine the nominee.
While some Republicans are concerned about a multiple-ballot election, others remain unfazed. Representative Tim Burchett noted that the previous January’s election received significant attention, but the current situation has not garnered the same level of discussion.
Since Congress’s establishment, multiple ballots have been required to achieve a majority only 15 times.
Ryusuke Abe contributed to this report.
What factors led to Rep. Austin Scott being defeated by Chairman Jim Jordan in the latest vote?
Of former President Donald Trump, Rep. Mark Meadows, and other prominent party members, Mr. McCarthy was unable to secure the necessary votes. The nomination instead went to Rep. James Comer, who failed to reach the required majority in the subsequent floor vote.
This unexpected turn of events left House Republicans scrambling to find a new candidate. Within two days, Rep. Austin Scott emerged as the first alternative nominee. However, his bid was short-lived as he was defeated by Chairman Jim Jordan in the latest vote.
The selection of Jim Jordan as the second nominee highlights the determination of House Republicans to push for a floor vote. Despite not being the preferred choice for many Republicans, Jordan’s request for a confirming ballot boosted his support by 28 votes. However, with several members absent and fewer votes cast, it remains uncertain where exactly the remaining 69 Republicans stand on his nomination.
The urgency to elect a new speaker stems from the House’s inability to function effectively since the removal of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy on October 3. The past weeks have been filled with grievances and mourning over the sudden and unexplained motion to vacate the speaker position. Republicans are eager to restore functionality to the House and emphasize the need for a speaker who can lead them back to work.
This tumultuous week has exposed divisions within the Republican Party. The removal of McCarthy, who was initially elected with 216 votes and retained by 213 Republicans, has highlighted the fragility of party unity. The close margin by which McCarthy was removed, supported by just 8 Republican votes and 208 Democrats, underscores the challenges faced by the party in maintaining coherence and securing consensus.
The upcoming showdown between Jim Jordan and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in the full House will be a defining moment for House Republicans. It will not only determine the future leadership of the Republican Party but also set the tone for the party’s agenda.
As discussions and negotiations continue, the number needed to elect a new speaker remains at 217, assuming all members are present and voting. The next few days will be crucial in gauging support for Jim Jordan’s nomination and assessing the prospects for a successful floor vote.
Regardless of the outcome, the selection process for a new speaker has showcased the complexities and challenges faced by House Republicans. It has also demonstrated the importance of unity, consensus-building, and effective leadership in order to navigate through difficult times and lead the party forward.
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