Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) has confirmed Democrat President Joe Biden’s worst fears by becoming the first Republican to officially enter the race to be the next House speaker.
Biden and the Democrats walked all over ousted former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).
However, they will not be able to do so with Jordan, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.
Others rumored to be interested in the job include Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), the No. 2 House Republican.
Oklahoma Rep. Kevin Hern, who chairs the Republican Study Committee, and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota are also said to be interested in the job.
Jordan entered the race in a letter to House GOP colleagues that said:
“Now is the time for our Republican conference to come together to keep our promises to Americans.
“No matter what we do, we must do it together as a conference.”
Jordan told reporters:
“I think we are a conservative-center-right party.
“I think I’m the guy who can help unite that.
“My politics are entirely consistent with where conservatives and Republicans are across the country.”
Matt Gaetz, the man who took down McCarthy, said he is backing Jordan.
My first choice if he will run:https://t.co/J45HbBnIle
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) October 4, 2023
🚨 Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio said “yes” he is running for speaker, and had just talked to Steve Scalise, the No. 2 Republican, who he is likely to face off against.
Via @kristin__wilson & @MZanona— Annie Grayer (@AnnieGrayerCNN) October 4, 2023
Meanwhile, some have been pushing the idea of President Donald Trump serving as House speaker in the short term.
High-profile Republicans, including Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Troy Nehls, have said they will nominate Trump.
According to Fox News host Sean Hannity, sources say Trump is “open” to serving the role.
READ MORE: Trump ‘Open’ to Serving as House Speaker in Short Term
