Jim Jordan Falls Short in1st speaker Vote, More Expected Wednesday
U.S. House Judiciary Chair Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, failed to get the needed support to become speaker of the House in the first vote Tuesday afternoon. The next vote is now scheduled for Wednesday.
On Tuesday, 20 Republicans did not vote with Jordan, spreading their votes across several candidates. Democrats remained in lockstep behind Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffires, D-N.Y.
Jordan has the backing of the majority of Republicans but fell short of the needed 217 votes. This was not a major surprise, and there could be several more votes. Whether Republicans defect to or away from Jordan will be key as he tries to rally more to his cause. A few defections away from Jordan could kill his momentum.
“We know that Jim Jordan is a winner on behalf of the American people,” U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., said during her speech to nominate Jordan for the role. “Let's elect Jim Jordan … for such a time as this,” she added, making reference to the Biblical story of Esther.