House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) confirmed Wednesday that he will run to be the next House speaker, one of the few candidates who could unite warring factions of the Republican conference.
Jordan, a founding member of the House Freedom Caucus who became an ally of now-ousted Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), told reporters on Wednesday morning that he is seeking the leadership role.
The announcement sets up a potential showdown with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), who many lawmakers have floated as the natural successor to the deposed McCarthy.
Both hardline and moderate members expressed optimism about a Jordan speakership.
“My mentor Jim Jordan would be great!” Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who led the motion to vacate McCarthy’s speakership, posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“My first choice if he will run,” agreed Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who joined an effort to oust former House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) in 2015 but disagreed with right-wing colleagues who voted out McCarthy on Tuesday.
“Jim Jordan is a conservative fighter and would make a strong Speaker of the House,” Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), the former chairman of the Republican Study Committee, also posted on X.
If chosen, Jordan would have to step down as chairman of the Judiciary Committee, which has led efforts to investigate President Biden’s involvement in his son’s shady business dealings abroad.
Through transcribed interviews with federal officials in the FBI, IRS and Justice Department, the House panel has uncovered key facts about potential political interference throughout a five-year probe into first son Hunter Biden.
Committee staff have also revealed coordination between social media companies, 51 former intelligence officials and the Biden campaign to suppress The Post’s bombshell October 2020 reporting on Biden’s role in his son’s business overseas.
Eight House Republicans joined with all Democrats to vote out McCarthy on Tuesday night, with the hardline GOP members criticizing the speaker for his leadership on budget issues and commitment to conservative priorities.
Gaetz has expressed openness to Scalise or Emmer replacing McCarthy, even as they backed the former speaker’s effort to remain in office.
Concerns over Scalise’s recent blood cancer diagnosis could complicate matters. The majority leader has often been see around the Capitol complex wearing a mask while undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
But House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and most members of the Empire State’s Republican delegation are planning to back Scalise for the speakership and Emmer for majority leader, according to a Republican aide.
Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) is currently serving as speaker pro tempore until a new leader is chosen, with an election tentatively set for Oct. 11.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who became a close McCarthy ally over the course of his speakership, even floated former President Donald Trump as a replacement following the motion to vacate.
The 77-year-old ex-president, who is currently battling several legal challenges while running again for office, has spoken to several House Republicans and has expressed interest in taking up the gavel, another GOP aide told The Post.
