LIVE UPDATES: Jordan competes for House Speakership in floor vote.
House Set to Vote on New Speaker
After Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s historic ouster as speaker, the House is gearing up for a vote to find his replacement.
Rep. Jim Jordan is vying for the position and needs 217 votes from fellow Republicans to secure the gavel. While he has gained some endorsements, it remains to be seen if he has enough support to become the new speaker. In the previous election, McCarthy won after 15 rounds of voting over four days.
Mr. Jordan became the speaker-designate when House Majority Leader Steve Scalise dropped out due to lack of votes.
The House is expected to hold a floor vote at noon.
Rep. Díaz-Balart Still a No on Jordan–3:40 p.m.
Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (R-Fla.) remains opposed to Mr. Jordan becoming speaker, despite their good relationship. He cited the small number of Republicans who joined Democrats in removing Mr. McCarthy and the lack of respect for the conference’s choice of Mr. Scalise as speaker-designate as his reasons for opposition.
Rep. Buck Refuses to Budge–3:28 p.m.
Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.), who voted against Mr. Jordan, stated that he will not vote for the Ohio congressman under any circumstances. He wants a speaker who supports U.S. assistance to Ukraine and acknowledges President Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election.
Expect Another Round of Voting, Per Jordan’s Office – 3:07 p.m.
“The House needs a speaker as soon as possible,” said Russell Dye, Jordan’s spokesperson. “Expect another round of votes today. It’s time for Republicans to come together.”
GOP Congressman Would Flip to Jordan on Second Ballot–2:16 p.m.
Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), who initially voted for Mr. McCarthy, announced that he would support Mr. Jordan on a second ballot.
House in Recess–1:56 p.m.
The House is currently in recess, awaiting further instructions from Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.), the speaker pro tempore. The possibility of a second ballot for Mr. Jordan is yet to be determined.
Jordan Fails to Win Gavel on 1st Ballot–1:43 p.m.
Mr. Jordan lost the support of 20 Republicans on the first ballot. With limited absences, he could only afford to lose five Republicans. A second ballot is expected to take place, as Mr. Jordan received 200 votes compared to Mr. Jeffries’ 212.
The Republicans who voted against Mr. Jordan were:
- Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.)
- Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.)
- Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.)
- Anthony D’Esposito (R-N.Y.)
- Tony Gonzales (R-Texas)
- Kay Granger (R-Texas)
- Jake Ellzey (R-Texas)
- Mario Díaz-Balart (R-Fla.)
- Carlos Giménez (R-Fla.)
- Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.)
- Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.)
- Jen Kiggans (R-Va.)
- John Rutherford (R-Fla.)
- Ken Buck (R-Co.)
- John James (R-Mich.)
- Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.)
- Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.)
- Mike Simpson (R-Idaho)
- Mike Kelly (R-Pa.)
- Steve Womack (R-Ark.)
The GOP opponents voted for various candidates, including Kevin McCarthy, Steve Scalise, Thomas Massie, Mike Garcia, Tom Cole, Tom Emmer, and Lee Zeldin.
Mr. Jordan faced the same number of defections as Mr. McCarthy did on the first ballot in January.
Mr. Giménez stated that there is nothing Mr. Jordan can do to earn his vote.
Jordan on Way to Losing on 1st Ballot–1:11 p.m.
Nine Republicans have voted against Mr. Jordan, exceeding the number he can afford to lose.
Rep. Ken Buck, who is leaning against Mr. Jordan, was absent from the chamber.
Vote Begins—1:01 p.m.
The House clerk is conducting a poll to determine the speaker. The nominees are Mr. Jordan and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).
Hakeem Jeffries Nominated—12:50 p.m.
House Democrat Chairman Pete Aguilar is nominating Mr. Jeffries for speaker.
Jim Jordan Nominated—12:46 p.m.
House GOP Chairwoman Elise Stefanik is nominating Mr. Jordan, emphasizing his suitability for the role.
1 Republican Absent for Speaker Vote—12:46 p.m.
Rep. Gus Bilirakis is absent but expected to return later. Mr. Jordan can only afford to lose three House Republicans.
Quorum Call Being Taken—12:10 p.m.
A call of the House is being taken to establish the number of members present.
Trump Calls for Jordan to be Speaker—12:02 p.m.
Former President Donald Trump expressed his belief that Mr. Jordan will be elected speaker soon, reiterating his endorsement.
Rep. Kevin McCarthy predicts that Mr. Jordan will win, even on the first round of voting.
Texas Congressman Predicts 8-10 Holdouts in Round 1–11:12 a.m.
Rep. Chip Roy, who supports Mr. Jordan, predicts that he will not secure the gavel in the first round of voting.
The Holdouts–10:41 a.m.
At least five holdouts remain, one more than Mr. Jordan can afford to lose.
Meanwhile, Reps. Steve Womack, Ken Buck, Marianette Miller-Meeks, and Victoria Spartz are leaning towards voting against Mr. Jordan.
How does the lack of widespread support for Rep. Jordan within the Republican Party raise questions about the future direction of the party and the outcome of the vote for the new speaker
Ns supporting Jordan and expressed concern over his ability to unite the party. Díaz-Balart stated, “I think it would be extraordinarily difficult for him to get to 218,” referring to the number of votes needed to secure the speakership.
Rep. Steve Scalise, the current House Majority Whip, is also not endorsing Jordan, opting instead to support Rep. Patrick McHenry for the position. Scalise believes that McHenry has the experience and leadership qualities necessary to lead the House effectively.
This division within the Republican Party raises questions about the outcome of the vote and the future direction of the party. Jordan’s candidacy has been seen as a challenge to the establishment and a representation of the more conservative and populist factions within the party. However, without widespread support from his fellow Republicans, his chances of becoming speaker remain uncertain.
Meanwhile, Speaker McCarthy, despite losing the speakership, has expressed his support for Jordan and his bid for speaker, calling him a “fighter” and a “true conservative.” McCarthy believes that Jordan has the determination and principles necessary to lead the Republican Party.
The vote for the new speaker is expected to be a closely watched event, with political analysts eager to see how the Republican Party manages this internal power struggle. The outcome of the election will not only determine the leader of the House but also reflect the ideological direction of the party moving forward.
In addition, this election holds significance for the American people as it will shape the legislative agenda and the ability of Congress to address pressing national issues. The new speaker will play a crucial role in navigating the challenges facing the country, including the ongoing pandemic, economic recovery, and ensuring the functioning of the government.
As the House prepares for the vote, all eyes are on Rep. Jim Jordan and the support he can muster from his fellow Republicans. Will he be able to secure the necessary votes and become the new speaker? The answer will soon be revealed, as the House gathers to make this important decision.
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