WASHINGTON – Ohio Republican Rep. Jim Jordan, who stood up for former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy during Tuesday’s vote to oust him from the post, has thrown his proverbial hat in the ring in a bid to replace the Californian.
The stunning, and historic, removal of McCarthy has left the House adrift and Republicans are now struggling to bring order to their fractured majority. They must now begin the difficult and potentially prolonged process of uniting around a new leader.
Jordan, the Judiciary Committee Chairman and a leader of the conservative Freedom Caucus, is joined by Majority Leader Steve Scalise at the front of the field with Kevin Hern, chair of the Republican Study Committee, the largest GOP caucus in the House, expected to make a bid as well.
Jordan is a favorite of conservatives who quickly announced his own candidacy, emphasizing his oversight work and aspirations. He echoed Scalise’s call for unity during “divided times.”
“The problems we face are challenging, but they are not insurmountable,” he said.
The House will try to elect a speaker as soon as next week. It’s unclear whether any candidate will be able to win the 218 votes needed to become speaker.