House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan’s bid for the speakership faced a major setback on Tuesday when 20 Republicans voted against him on the House floor, despite an intense pressure campaign by his supporters. Jordan fell short of the 217 votes required to become the speaker during the initial vote. Plans for a second vote were scrapped, with reports suggesting that more Republicans might defect on the upcoming ballot scheduled for Wednesday at 11 am.
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), one of the Republicans who voted against Jordan, revealed that he experienced significant pressure from Jordan’s allies. Bacon’s wife reported receiving multiple anonymous threats demanding her husband’s support for Jordan. Similar accounts emerged from other Republicans who claimed to have been bombarded with calls from local conservative leaders, a situation they termed as “bullying.”
Even Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), a staunch Jordan ally, acknowledged that these aggressive tactics had backfired. He urged a pause, suggesting that members work together to resolve the issue internally.
Jordan, however, remained undeterred, pledging to continue his efforts to garner support. Despite his persistence, an anonymous House Republican warned that Jordan and his team’s attempts to sway supporters were not having the desired effect but were instead alienating members.
Some Republicans who initially supported Jordan hinted at reconsidering their stance on subsequent ballots. Moderates floated the possibility of empowering acting Speaker Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) as an alternative, although the success of such a move remained uncertain with only Republican votes.
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) expressed disappointment following Tuesday’s failed vote. “I think it’s sad that they’re getting worse and worse,” Pelosi remarked, suggesting that a lesson in mathematics might benefit those involved in the contentious speakership battle.
The outcome of the next vote remains uncertain, leaving both Jordan’s supporters and opponents on edge as they await the resolution of this high-stakes political struggle.
