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Writer's pictureCapitol Times

Uncertainty Looms as House GOP Prepares for Speakership Vote

Washington, D.C. - October 17, 2023


House GOP Speaker nominee Rep. Jim Jordan (Ohio) is gearing up for a pivotal moment in his political career, as he readies his colleagues for a floor vote on his Speakership scheduled for noon Tuesday. Despite his outward confidence, a cloud of uncertainty hovers over his candidacy, with a faction of GOP lawmakers publicly expressing their intention to withhold their support, potentially thwarting his bid for the gavel.



Photo by Gage Skidmore


Several Republican lawmakers, who had previously voiced their reservations about Jordan, confirmed on Monday evening that they plan to oppose his nomination. This opposition, if materialized, could prove fatal to Jordan’s ambitions, necessitating another multi-ballot Speakership race.


During a closed-door conference meeting on Monday night, some members openly declared their support for an alternative candidate, while others hinted at announcing their final decision directly on the House floor. Jordan, aware of the challenge he faces, can only afford to lose the backing of four Republicans while assuming all members are present and voting for a candidate.


Despite this uphill battle, Jordan remains resolute. Exiting the meeting, he projected confidence, stating, “Look, I felt good walking into the conference. I feel even better now. We’ve got a few more people we want to talk to, listen to. And then we’ll have a vote tomorrow.”


Jordan did experience a boost earlier in the day when several Republicans, who had initially opposed his candidacy, reversed their stance. Notable endorsements came from House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (Ala.) and Representatives Ann Wagner (Mo.), Ken Calvert (Calif.), and Vern Buchanan (Fla.). This wave of support injected momentum into Jordan's campaign, yet he still finds himself in need of 217 votes to secure the Speakership.


The outcome of Tuesday’s vote remains uncertain, with GOP members wrestling with their decisions. As the nation watches, the House of Representatives braces for a potentially dramatic Speakership race, the implications of which could reverberate across the political landscape.


— As tensions escalate in Israel and a looming government shutdown deadline of November 17th approaches, Republicans in the House of Representatives are feeling the heat to act swiftly and elect a Speaker capable of navigating these critical challenges. The spotlight has fallen on Pennsylvania Congressman Kelly, who introduced a resolution on Monday proposing the official election of acting Speaker Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) as Speaker pro tempore until the crucial November deadline. This move is aimed at empowering McHenry to effectively maneuver legislation on the House floor.


The resolution comes at a time when House Republicans are grappling with divisions within their ranks. Congressman Kelly’s resolution, if approved, could alleviate the mounting pressure on those wavering in their support for Representative Jim Jordan, the Speaker-designate. Kelly argued that the resolution “does take the pressure off those that are no’s” on Jordan, acknowledging the intense scrutiny these representatives face from their constituents.


However, the situation remains complex, with Acting Speaker McHenry expressing his reluctance to expand his powers. Despite his reservations, McHenry continued to express his backing for Jordan’s candidacy. “I support our Speaker-designate,” McHenry affirmed. “I supported Scalise as our Speaker designee, and I now support Jim Jordan as our Speaker-designate.”


This development follows a period of uncertainty during which some of Jordan’s initial holdouts reconsidered their stance. When questioned about the unexpected shift in support, McHenry explained that Jordan had requested time over the weekend for productive deliberations, indicating a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue to address concerns.


The urgent nature of the situation arises from multiple fronts, including the ongoing conflict in Israel and the pressing deadline for government funding. Republicans are acutely aware of the need for cohesive leadership to effectively address these challenges and fulfill their responsibilities to the American people.


As the November 17th deadline looms, all eyes are on the Republican caucus in the House of Representatives. The nation watches anxiously, hoping for a resolution that will enable lawmakers to unite, move legislation forward, and navigate the turbulent waters both at home and abroad. The coming days will undoubtedly test the resilience and unity of the Republican Party as they grapple with these pressing issues.


The nation awaits the results of the vote, which will undoubtedly shape the future direction of the Republican Party in the House and impact the legislative agenda in the critical months ahead.

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