The bid of Rep. Jim Jordan to become the new speaker of the US House of Representatives has failed for the third time, despite his popularity among the right-flank activist base. Jordan was rejected by 25 Republican colleagues, falling short of the majority needed to win the position. The House of Representatives has been in limbo since Kevin McCarthy’s ouster at the start of the month, with no realistic plan to unite the fractured majority.
Jordan’s campaign focused on his ability to bring change and his connection to Ohio, drawing comparisons to innovators like the Wright brothers. McCarthy, who supported Jordan, praised him as a skilled legislator who seeks compromise, but centrist Republicans were concerned about Jordan’s extremism. Democrats, on the other hand, nominated House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries, who was praised by Representative Katherine Clark as a “strong and steady hand” who would not threaten democracy.
Jim Jordan (Via Jim Jordan/Twitter)
The stalemate has resulted in the House being severely hobbled, leaving a seat of American democracy without the ability to function. Republicans in majority control of the House cannot agree on a new speaker, with no clear path forward. Jordan has refused to step aside, despite his loss, and is waiting for his foes to give in. The standoff has resulted in angry and frustrated Republicans, with some even reporting death threats. Representative Matt Gaetz stated that he and other Jordan supporters would be willing to be censured if it meant winning votes for Jordan, but many view Jordan as too extreme for the position of speaker.
With no clear solution in sight, the House may remain closed for the foreseeable future, risking a federal government shutdown. The stalemate persists, with no end in sight for the struggle to become the new speaker of the House. Democrats are waiting to see if the House can eventually coalesce around a new speaker, while Jeffries remains a strong and stable leader in the minority.
