Rep. Jim Jordan Vows to Stay in Speaker Race, Considers Endorsing Plan to Expand Interim Speaker’s Powers

Rep. Jim Jordan is determined to remain in the race for speaker of the House, but he is now considering a new strategy. Sources have revealed that Jordan may endorse a plan to expand the powers of the interim speaker, Rep. Patrick McHenry, for the remainder of the year. This move is seen as risky and may face backlash from members of Jordan’s party who want him to drop out entirely.

Jordan has decided not to hold a third speaker vote on Thursday, as he has been struggling to gain support and risks losing even more. However, he is leaning towards supporting a resolution that would empower McHenry until January or until a new speaker is elected. The idea behind this plan is to give Jordan more time to build support without leaving the House without a speaker. Despite this, Jordan intends to remain the speaker designee and does not plan to drop out of the race.

However, many of Jordan’s opponents are urging him to withdraw completely from the race. Rep. Don Bacon stated that Jordan should “get out” of the race, and it would be problematic if he doesn’t run for a third ballot but remains in the race as a speaker-designee.

Jordan has not revealed his plans and stated that he wants to talk to his colleagues before deciding. Despite facing two failed votes for the gavel, Jordan, known for his hardline conservative views, has remained committed to staying in the race. However, multiple GOP sources have indicated that Jordan is losing support and may continue to lose more if he proceeds with a third ballot.

Tensions are rising among House Republicans as pressure mounts to resolve the standoff. In the second round of voting, Jordan fared worse than in the first vote, indicating growing opposition to his candidacy. Rep. Warren Davidson, a close ally of Jordan’s, emphasized the need for more time to heal after the ousting of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, which took place more than two weeks ago.

Some of Jordan’s opponents claim that his supporters are not helping to ease tensions but are rather exacerbating them. Republicans who oppose Jordan have reported facing pressure campaigns, angry calls, menacing messages, and even death threats since casting their votes. Jordan condemned the death threats and stated that they are inappropriate.

The House GOP remains at a standstill after failing to find a viable alternative to replace former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Moderate and mainstream Republicans are now voicing their concerns over the prospect of Jordan becoming speaker. Additionally, some Republicans are upset over the role of hardliners in pushing out McCarthy and opposing House Majority Leader Steve Scalise’s bid for speaker.

As the chances of any candidate securing the required 217 votes to win the gavel seem uncertain, some Republicans are proposing expanding the powers of interim Speaker McHenry. However, this idea has sparked controversy and divided the party.

Given the narrow majority in the House GOP, Jordan cannot afford to lose many votes, and the increasing number of votes against him makes it unlikely for him to secure the speakership for now. If Jordan withdraws, other candidates may enter the race, but they would face challenges in reaching the required 217 votes.

Jordan’s affiliation with former President Donald Trump and his role in the hardline House Freedom Caucus have made him a polarizing figure in the speaker’s fight. Despite Trump’s endorsement, Jordan’s struggle to win the gavel highlights the limits of Trump’s influence in the race.

Some Republicans argue that considering the current situation without a speaker, the ongoing race should not last much longer. With a government shutdown deadline approaching and conflicts abroad, there are growing calls for Republicans to quickly resolve the leadership vacuum.

Note: This story has been updated with additional developments.