Staff Reports
In an unexpected turn of events, several key Republican holdouts have announced their endorsement of Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) for Speaker of the House. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) and Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), who previously stated their refusal to support Jordan, have now thrown their support behind him. This newfound support has brought Jordan closer to the threshold needed to secure the speakership.
Several Key Republican Holdouts Endorse Rep. Jordan for Speaker
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) has won the support of several former opponents to his bid for the gavel, pushing him near the threshold to win the speakership. @Jim_Jordan https://t.co/VbcapIw5Cn
— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) October 16, 2023
Earlier this month, Rogers had publicly announced that there was nothing Jordan could do to win his vote, stating his preference for Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). However, in a recent statement on X, Rogers explained that after productive conversations with Jordan, he had a change of heart. Rogers and Jordan agreed on the importance of passing legislation such as the National Defense Authorization Act and appropriations to fund crucial government functions.
Similarly, Calvert expressed his shift in support for Jordan on X, citing their conversation on national security and appropriations goals. He emphasized the need to work together and get the House back on track.
Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), another former holdout, also announced his endorsement of Jordan. McClintock criticized the breakdown of party discipline within House Republicans and emphasized the need for unity. Additionally, Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Mo.), who initially opposed Jordan, now supports him after a conversation addressing key issues.
Although these endorsements are significant wins for Jordan, he still faces challenges and opponents in his bid for the speakership. Jordan is the second nominee after McCarthy’s ouster, but his nomination in a party vote revealed the deep divisions within the Republican Party. Several opponents, such as Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Rep. John Rutherford (R-Fla.), Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.), and Rep. Steve Womack (R-Ark.), remain steadfast in their refusal to support Jordan.
To secure the gavel, Jordan must rally support from these holdouts and can only afford to lose five votes. However, despite these challenges, McCarthy remains confident that Jordan will ultimately become the next Speaker of the House.
