Kevin McCarthy, R-CA, was removed as Speaker of the House on Tuesday. Rep. Jim Jordan, a conservative leader and the current House Judiciary Chairperson in Ohio, has declared his candidacy.
Jordan announced the news on Wednesday.
House Judiciary chair Jim Jordan, R. Ohio, announced that he will run for speaker. He is the first Republican lawmaker to enter the race, which is sure to be competitive.
Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) was removed from his position by a rebel group within his own party.
Jordan announced Wednesday morning that his candidacy for the position was confirmed. The House Republicans will hold a forum for candidates on Tuesday, and then an election the next day.
He was asked if he would run for speaker during an impromptu press conference. Rep. Steve Scalise, R-LA is also expected to run for Speaker.
The House finds itself in a predicament that is unprecedented. McCarthy’s removal marked the first time a House speaker has ever been removed in U.S. History. Matt Gaetz, R-FL, worked with Democrats behind the scenes to secure enough votes for his motion to vacate. Eight other Republican legislators also voted for the motion.
The plan worked. McCarthy is being replaced by the House Republicans.
Jordan is known for his commitment to conservative principles. McCarthy has been criticized by many on the right for his pragmatic approach to negotiating with Democrats. McCarthy was criticized by a large number of Republican voters for his compromise with Democrats.
Jordan’s investigations into the Biden Administration have gained him a certain level of popularity, but some wonder if he will be able to curry favor with the GOP moderate wing, which often has a conflict with the conservative faction.
Next Tuesday’s candidate forum will give Jordan and his rivals the chance to make their case as the leading lawmakers of the lower chamber. The election is the day following the candidate forum, and Washington and the chattering classes will be watching closely.
The upcoming change in leadership is seen by many as a crucial moment for the Republican Party. It will have a major impact on its future. The right is divided on this issue, with some advocating conservative policies while others are in favor of bipartisanship.
Others have criticized the attempt to remove McCarthy. They claim that the internecine wars are distracting the GOP from important work on Capitol Hill. Some have said that the internal conflict may cost the GOP the House in the next 2024 elections. It is obvious that irrespective of the result, this moment will be more important than the person who occupies the speaker’s seat. This election could determine the future of American politics.
