Jim Jordan, Trump Ally, Announces Bid for Speaker

On Oct 4, 2023

TL/DR –

Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan has announced his bid for the position of Speaker of the House following the ousting of Kevin McCarthy. Jordan, who has been a staunch supporter of Donald Trump and has occupied key positions in GOP leadership, sent a letter to colleagues asking for their support and underlining his commitment to unite the Republican conference. His announcement has already received endorsements from other conservative lawmakers, but his reputation as a far-right figurehead may cause moderate GOP members to oppose his election.

Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, First Lawmaker to Announce Bid for House Speaker

Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, announced his candidacy for speaker of the House on Wednesday. This development came a day after Kevin McCarthy was removed from the position in a historic vote. In response to reporters’ queries, Jordan confirmed, “Yes.”

“We need to unite the conference,” expressed Jordan, having recently discussed his decision with Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., a potential speaker candidate. Jordan reached out to colleagues later that day, detailing his work on immigration and oversight issues and requesting their support.

“Now is the time for our Republican conference to unite for the American people. The challenges we face aren’t unbeatable. Together, we can make changes that further improve the country,” wrote Jordan. He also revealed that his decision came after many GOP colleagues urged him to run.

Just minutes after his announcement, Jordan received quick endorsements. “I support Jim Jordan for Speaker,” tweeted conservative Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky.

As one of Donald Trump’s key allies on Capitol Hill, Jordan defended Trump during two impeachment investigations. Now, he’s a prominent GOP leader in the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. Though initially a conservative ‘bomb thrower,’ Jordan has evolved into a team player, closely allied with McCarthy’s leadership team, and is often considered by McCarthy for top GOP slots on different committees.

However, due to his reputation, some moderate GOP Conference members may hesitate to support a Jordan speakership. Just five Republicans could block Jordan in a formal speaker vote on the House floor, given the GOP’s slim majority and the expected united front from Democrats backing Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York.