WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Jim Jordan was once considered a prime candidate to become the 56th speaker of the House. Many believed that pressure from the Republican Party base would sway moderate and establishment members to support Jordan, a prominent figure on the far-right. This backing would have secured the necessary votes for Jordan to assume the speakership.
However, the pressure campaign took a dark turn as death threats against lawmakers and their families escalated. Instead of bending to the pressure, a coalition of approximately 20 House Republicans emerged to deny Jordan the speakership. This defiance shattered the perception that moderates lacked conviction.
“Bullying doesn’t work,” stated Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican centrist who led the opposition against Jordan.
The threats, though, took a toll on the lawmakers and their families. Some received death threats, prompting heightened security measures. Nevertheless, they remained steadfast and rejected Jordan’s bid for speaker.
This latest development adds another layer to the ongoing feud within the Republican Party, which began when Kevin McCarthy was removed from his position as speaker. The party has been divided, with tensions exacerbated by the wave of threats. Lawmakers feel that their colleagues share some responsibility for the hostility they now face.
Rep. Drew Ferguson, who faced death threats after opposing Jordan, firmly stated that he would not support “a bully” for speaker. He condemned the threats and deemed them “unacceptable, unforgivable, and will never be tolerated.”
The ultra-conservatives of the Republican Conference had maintained control over the House agenda for ten months. However, as Republicans select their next speaker, opposition to the hard-right ideology comes from new quarters. Moderates from politically diverse districts, senior members of the House Appropriations Committee, and loyalists to figures like Kevin McCarthy and Majority Leader now join the ranks of those rejecting Jordan.
Jordan had certain advantages, including the support of former President Donald Trump as well as influential figures like Sean Hannity. He attempted to garner support from moderate Republicans by presenting himself as a unifying leader who would address their concerns. However, he broke his promise not to bring the speaker vote to the House floor until he secured 217 votes. This move backfired, as opposition to Jordan only grew stronger.
“As soon as you try to influence by getting outside groups to try to intimidate, in that nanosecond, it’s over,” remarked Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, a senior Republican who opposed Jordan.
Despite attempting to distance himself from the threats and pressure, Jordan’s history of denouncing his colleagues’ legislative work while playing to the party’s base left his detractors unmoved.
As Republicans grapple with their grudges, they must find a way to move forward and fulfill their responsibilities. The White House is requesting funding for critical initiatives, and if Congress fails to pass necessary legislation, the government will face a shutdown in mid-November.
Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma empathized to some extent with the holdouts, acknowledging that they felt forced into a position where defiance was the only option. However, he urged them to put aside these tactics and unite around a speaker. “The problem is, you know that makes you feel pretty good … but it doesn’t get us moving any closer to a solution,” Cole stated.
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Associated Press reporters Kevin Freking, Farnoush Amiri, and Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report.
