In a significant setback for House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), his bid for the Speakership faced a hurdle as 20 Republicans withheld their support during the initial round of voting, preventing him from securing the necessary votes.
The vote, reported by The Hill on October 17, showed 200 votes in favor of Jordan, 212 in favor of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), six for former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), and seven for House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La).
This outcome paves the way for a second ballot, prolonging the Speaker race and echoing the previous contest that led to McCarthy’s election earlier in the year.
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This development follows an unprecedented move two weeks ago when eight Republicans joined forces with Democrats to oust McCarthy from the Speakership, throwing the House into unfamiliar territory and halting legislative business.
Jordan’s candidacy faced challenges from the start, with six Republicans openly opposing him the night before the vote, while others remained undecided.
Initially, Jordan, the founding chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, secured the GOP’s Speaker nomination after Scalise withdrew his candidacy due to resistance from hard-line conservatives, despite initially surpassing Jordan in a 113-199 vote.
Although Jordan made progress in persuading hesitant members, he encountered persistent resistance, preventing him from winning the gavel.
Opponents cited various reasons, including lingering bitterness over McCarthy’s removal and frustration over Scalise’s withdrawal despite winning the initial nomination.
The divisions within the Republican Party, reflecting varying stances on critical issues and leadership preferences, have cast uncertainty over the path forward.
With a second ballot imminent, the fate of the Speakership remains unclear. Observers anticipate further deliberations and negotiations among GOP members as they strive to determine their next Speaker. The second round of voting is poised to be a pivotal moment, shaping the political landscape in Washington.
