Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee Jim Jordan (R-OH) was questioned about his potential interest in running for House Speaker after Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was ousted from the position by a historic vote on Tuesday.
Jordan has earned the support of House conservatives on a consistent basis and is a member of the Freedom Caucus. Nonetheless, it is notable that he chose to support McCarthy in the recent vote. In January, he voiced his support for McCarthy and gave a nomination speech in his favor, despite the fact that McCarthy’s opponents had frequently nominated him themselves.
Due to his extensive support within the Republican conference, he has emerged as a prominent candidate for the Speaker role, garnering nominations from several members of Congress as a potential replacement for McCarthy.
When questioned by journalists about his perspective on the topic, Jordan praised McCarthy and responded cryptically when asked about the possibility of a run for office. The reporter inquired as to the level of dissatisfaction regarding the events that transpired in this context.
“I thought it was unfair to Kevin,” Jordan answered. “Kevin, I think, has done a fine job. He and I came in together; he’s a good man, and he didn’t deserve this in my judgement.”
Subsequently, a CNN reporter inquired as to whether Jordan possessed any inclination in pursuing candidacy for the vacant seat. Jordan responded by stating that “That’s a decision for the conference,” Jordan replied. “So you’re open to it?” The CNN reporter then asked.
After deciding not to speak further, Jordan left the scene.
During his interview with Sean Hannity, Jordan reaffirmed his response by stating his intention to defer the issue to the Republican conference.
Certain members of the Republican Conference have designated Representative Jordan as a potential successor candidate following McCarthy’s dismissal. Immediately following McCarthy’s public announcement, U.S. Representative Thomas Massie, a member of the Republican Party from Kentucky, encouraged his Republican colleague to run for Speaker of the House via a social media post.
The House removed its Speaker for the first time in recorded history, as we reported yesterday.
Along with Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and a limited number of conservative supporters, Democrats voted on Tuesday to remove Kevin McCarthy from his position of authority. It is uncertain who McCarthy will face in the long run for speaker, but his supporters have sworn to back him no matter what.