House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) won the (latest) nomination for Speaker on Friday, beating last-minute challenger Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) in a 124-81 vote.
Yes, but: Jordan needs a lot more than 124 votes to become Speaker — 217 votes to be exact.
What we know about the numbers: House Republicans held a follow-up vote to gauge Jordan’s popularity within the caucus. When asked if they would vote “yes” for Jordan in a floor vote, 55 Republicans said “no.” He can only afford a handful of defections, so he has a long way to go.
^ UPDATE — Jordan picks off more votes: House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) announced that he will support Jordan’s Speaker bid. On Friday, Rogers told reporters there was nothing Jordan could do to win his support, so this is a big deal.
- Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Mo.), who told multiple news outlets last week that she wouldn’t support Jordan, also reversed and threw her support behind him on Monday.
- Also backing Jordan: Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), chairman of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.
FIRST IN THE HILL: Jordan sent a “Dear Colleague” letter to House Republicans on Monday morning calling for unity. Read more
Ready or not, here he comes: Even without the votes, House Republicans are barreling toward a floor vote on Jordan on Tuesday, according to House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (Mass.). (Reuters)
What to expect: The Jordan floor vote could be reminiscent of the very public 15-ballot brawl that former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) endured in January to eventually win the gavel.
McCarthy is out, Scalise dropped out, Jordan is short on votes — who is left?: Republican Study Committee Chairman Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) and House GOP conference Vice Chairman Mike Johnson (R-La.) are two possible contenders. (The Hill)
What if Republicans never agree on a Speaker?: Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) told CBS News’s “Face the Nation” that a “deal will have to be done” with Democrats if Republicans cannot elect a Speaker.
Live blog of updates in the Speaker saga