Republican House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) has just entered the race for speaker of the House.
A spokesman for the lawmaker confirmed on Wednesday that Jordan is bidding for the job.
The news comes less than a day after the chamber ousted Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) from the position in a historic vote.
Jordan’s plan to run was revealed in a quote from the congressman reported by the Washington Examiner.
After coming out of the speaker’s office, Jordan said:
“I’ve had a lot of people reach out to us, asking me to do it, because I think we can.
“We’ll see if that happens, but I think I can.”
Multiple Republicans have already voiced support for Jordan as a candidate.
“My first choice if he will run,” Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) said in a post to X.
My first choice if he will run:https://t.co/J45HbBnIle
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) October 4, 2023
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), the congressman who led the effort to remove McCarthy as speaker, also indicated he would back Jordan.
“My mentor Jim Jordan would be great!” Gaetz said.
As chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Jordan has been leading investigations into Democrat President Joe Biden’s administration and family business this year.
During an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity on Tuesday night, Jordan was asked about rumors that former President Donald Trump had been “contacted” about becoming an “interim” speaker.
Jordan said Trump would be “great” if the 45th president served as speaker.
However, he emphasized that he wants Trump to be the next president.
WATCH:
Jim Jordan responds to rumors that Donald Trump is being pitched as Speaker of the House:
"He'd be great… I want him at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue but if he wants to be Speaker, that's fine too." pic.twitter.com/LEoSD6d2RS
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) October 4, 2023
Trump is running a 2024 campaign for a second term in the White House.
The House voted 216-210 to remove McCarthy as speaker, a role he held since January.
Eight Republicans joined with Democrats to vote against McCarthy, citing frustrations with his leadership:
- Matt Gaetz (FL)
- Andy Biggs (AZ)
- Ken Buck (CO)
- Eli Crane (AZ)
- Bob Good (VA)
- Matt Rosendale (MT)
- Tim Burchett (TN)
- Nancy Mace (SC).
Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) became temporary speaker as lawmakers hash out who will run for the gavel.
Multiple reports have said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) is lobbying for support for a bid.
A simple majority will be needed to secure victory.
“Like every other candidate, big hurdles for [Jordan] to get to 218,” Punchbowl News co-founder Jake Sherman said in a post to X.
“But Scalise seems to have a bold-named challenger.”
