On Friday, the House Republican Caucus nominated House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) to be the next Speaker of the House. This was only hours after House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) told his fellow Republicans that he was withdrawing his nomination after failing to secure the 217 votes needed for election.
Jordan received 124 votes on Friday – a marked improvement over the 100 votes he received when he finished second to Scalise earlier this week. Congressman Austin Scott (R-Georgia) was the second-place finisher.
This fight has bitterly divided the caucus and even the Alabama congressional delegation.
Jim Jordan is supported by both Congressmen Barry Moore (R-AL02) and Gary Palmer (R-AL06). On Friday, Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL03) told reporters that there is nothing that Jordan can say to make him change his mind on opposing Jordan. Rogers Chairs the powerful House Armed Services Committee.
This drama became necessary after eight disgruntled GOP Caucus members led by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) joined with Democrats to oust former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-California).
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