Jim Jordan considering a bid for Speaker
Conservative hard-liner Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) is considering a bid to succeed House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) in his leadership role, according to multiple members of the House Freedom Caucus.
Jordan confirmed that he is interested in the idea and that conservative lawmakers are pushing him to run, though he emphasized that Ryan is still currently holding the Speaker’s gavel.
“I’m not announcing anything other than — there isn’t a Speaker’s race — but if and when there is, like I’ve said, colleagues have encouraged me to consider it and I’m open to that,” he told reporters Friday.
The Washington Post first reported that Jordan — who has a reputation for being a thorn in leadership’s side, once having led the House Freedom Caucus — was interested in the seeking the position.
With the House Freedom Caucus holding a block of 25 to 30 votes, it’s possible the powerful conservative group could use the opportunity to strike a deal for a lower leadership post or better committee positions.
House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) are currently the two most likely candidates to lead Republicans in the lower chamber in the 116th Congress, whether as Speaker or minority leader. And the far-right wing of the conference has already made it clear they will only support a candidate they believe will advocate for conservative policies.
Updated at 11:33 a.m.
Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
