WASHINGTON >> Republicans will gather behind closed doors tonight in an attempt to unite around their new nominee for House speaker. Rep. Jim Jordan, a far-right firebrand and ally of Donald Trump, has quickly gained support and appears poised to win the gavel.
Jordan, the hard-charging Judiciary Committee chairman, has been successful in winning over detractors who perceive him as too extreme. Pressure from Trump allies, including Sean Hannity of Fox News, has helped generate support. A floor vote is scheduled for Tuesday and could potentially become a showdown.
“I feel very confident in the momentum we have,” said Jordan outside his office in Washington.
In a letter to colleagues, Jordan adopted a cooperative tone and pledged to “bring all Republicans together” if elected as House speaker following Kevin McCarthy’s removal.
“The country and our conference cannot afford for us to attack each other right now,” Jordan wrote. “It is time for us to unite and get back to work on behalf of the American people.”
Jordan’s political ascent has been challenging. As an outsider and founding member of the right-flank Freedom Caucus, he is now just a few votes away from occupying a central position of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. The majority control of House Republicans has descended into chaos since McCarthy was abruptly ousted from his position on October 3, bringing all House business to a halt.
In order to secure the House speaker position, which is second in line to the presidency, Jordan will need the support of an overwhelming majority of his colleagues for a House floor vote. It is expected that Democrats will back their own nominee, Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York.
Jordan fell short by more than 50 votes during internal party voting on Friday. Majority Leader Steve Scalise, the party’s initial nominee to replace McCarthy, also failed to rally Republicans.
However, Jordan can rely on the support of Trump as well as grassroots activists who recognize him from his appearances on cable news and fiery performances at committee hearings. Republicans argue that it will be difficult for lawmakers to oppose him in a public floor vote.
Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who orchestrated McCarthy’s removal with a group of hardliners, publicly praised each lawmaker who has switched to Jordan’s side and criticized those who have not.
“Thank you Rep. Ann Wagner!” Gaetz posted on social media, following the announcement of support from the Missouri Republican.
Wagner expressed her support, stating that she had an extensive conversation with Jordan earlier in the day. “He has addressed my concerns about conservative funding for keeping the government open, the necessity for strong border security, and consistent international support in times of war and unrest,” she said.
Other lawmakers, including House Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers of Alabama, have also declared their support. Jordan described gaining these two backers as a significant achievement.
Nevertheless, multiple rounds of House floor voting are expected to take place, starting at noon on Tuesday, as several Republicans continue to withhold their support for Jordan. With the House Republican majority at a narrow 221-212, he can only afford to lose a few votes and reach the 217 majority threshold if there are no absences.
Democrats have criticized the far-right shift, dubbing Jordan the leader of the chaos wing of the GOP.
Jordan has been a staunch ally of Trump, particularly during the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, orchestrated by the former president’s supporters in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election results. Days later, Trump presented Jordan with the Medal of Freedom.
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