House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) plans to run for House speaker following Rep. Kevin McCarthy‘s (R-CA) ouster this week, he told reporters on Wednesday.
Jordan, who has served in Congress for more than 15 years, said of his decision that “the key is to unite the conference.”
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JORDAN says he *is* running and thinks that “the key is to unite the conference.” https://t.co/RnnRorYWvv
— Cami Mondeaux (@cami_mondeaux) October 4, 2023
His remark comes after eight House Republicans used a motion to vacate tool to vote with all Democrats to boot McCarthy from his position over claims McCarthy violated agreements made in January with a faction of the GOP to secure the speakership.
Jordan, a fervent supporter of former President Donald Trump and a founding member of the House Freedom Caucus, said he has gotten texts and calls from people pledging support for his bid.
The chairman is expected to gain backing from many of the most hard-line members of the party, even as he has emerged this year as a McCarthy ally and distanced himself from the caucus while leading prominent investigations for the GOP.
Reps. Jim Banks (R-IN), Thomas Massie (R-KY), and Mike Carey (R-OH) have all said they would back Jordan. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who led the eight-member rebellion against McCarthy, also appeared to endorse Jordan, whom he called “his mentor” on Tuesday night.
Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), the next in line for speaker in terms of leadership seniority, is also eyeing a bid, and several members have also called him to pledge their support, a source told the Washington Examiner.
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After reports that Scalise would meet on Wednesday with the Texas GOP delegation, a key concentration of House Republicans, a spokesperson for Jordan said the chairman would also be meeting with them.
On Wednesday afternoon, Jordan published a “dear colleague” letter announcing his intentions to run for speaker.
— Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) October 4, 2023
