The race within the Republican Caucus in the House of Representatives has taken another sharp and unexpected turn. Today it's being reported that Ohio congressman Jim Jordan, who had been elected by the Caucus to stand as their nominee for House Speaker, has decided to forego a third ballot on his nomination and pull his name from contention... for now. According to sources within the Caucus, it sounds like Republicans hope to appoint North Carolina Representative Patrick McHenry as an interim speaker to serve until January.
NEWS — JIM JORDAN will not hold a third ballot for speaker. He will back PATRICK MCHENRY as an interim speaker until JANUARY.
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) October 19, 2023
MCCARTHY, MCHENRY, JORDAN, COLE and EMMER met this morning
We reported this this AM in @PunchbowlNews AM.
CONFERENCE STARTING NOW.
McHenry is currently serving as Speaker pro tempore of the House chamber and in this role has developed a somewhat larger public profile than he had previously held. He also made waves in the public conscience by the ... emphatic way he banged the gavel to close the session after former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted earlier this month:
— Rebeccah Heinrichs (@RLHeinrichs) October 19, 2023
Some are speculating that this is more of a stalling maneuver by Jordan to buy a few months to win more votes for his side in a Speakership race next January.
🚨 JUST IN: Jim Jordan will NOT be holding a third ballot for Speaker of the House today
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) October 19, 2023
After meeting with House leadership this morning, @Jim_Jordan agreed to back Patrick McHenry for interim speaker until January.
At this point, it does NOT seem like Jordan is bowing out,… pic.twitter.com/XwI4EUobj8
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Jordan has long been believed to be angling for the job as Speaker, so this makes some sense. More of a tactical retreat and a regroup than an all-out rout.
Let's see what unfolds in the House Republican Conference meeting, it's like a political sitcom script.🤦♀️
— Shanzay Ehsan (@shanzay_ehsan) October 19, 2023
My understanding is that to get the moderate votes he would have needed, Jordan would have had to relent on Ukraine funding and give wealthy New York liberals SALT tax relief
— Will Chamberlain (@willchamberlain) October 19, 2023
Respect to him for not selling us out for the gavel https://t.co/cc1sUm4fa8
So we’re stuck with the little man with the bow tie and angry gavel?
— Gibbs (@Shutorules) October 19, 2023
He sure doesn’t look like he wants the job
— Wendy Mortensen (@wndywitch) October 19, 2023
Actually that might make him perfect
This actually increases my respect for Jim Jordan. I don't want it, but I think it means he's stepping up to get the work done. We have to unite, this is ridiculous!
— Janet Gilbertson (@JanetKayG) October 19, 2023
Assuming this all goes through as clearly hoped by House leadership (as it is) it should at least calm things down in the Capitol for a few months... but the battle lines for Speakership will open back up just in time for the Presidential Primary to be kicking into high gear, so that should be interesting. We'll see!
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