Jim Jordan Becomes GOP Speaker Nominee

Katrina Trinko / October 13, 2023

Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, has become the new Republican nominee for House speaker.

Jordan, who currently is chair of the House Judiciary Committee, defeated Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., in a secret ballot vote among Republicans Friday.

Scott announced Friday that he would be running against Jordan for the speakership. “We are in Washington to legislate, and I want to lead a House that functions in the best interest of the American people,” Scott posted on X.

I have filed to be Speaker of the House. We are in Washington to legislate, and I want to lead a House that functions in the best interest of the American people.
— Rep. Austin Scott (@AustinScottGA08) October 13, 2023

During a secret ballot vote today, Jordan won 124 votes while Scott won only 81. In a second vote, regarding whether House Republicans would support Jordan in a floor vote, 152 reportedly voted yes.

Second ballot question was if members would support Jordan on the floor. Result was 152 yes-55 no, per Rep. Kay Cammack h/t @elliskkim That is still nowhere near the 217 needed on floor. House Republicans are expected to break for the weekend. https://t.co/vE1JHerF6j
— Natalie Brand (@NatalieABrand) October 13, 2023

Jordan now has to secure 217 votes on the floor of the House to become the next House speaker.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise had formerly secured the GOP nomination in a vote of 113-99. However, Scalise announced Thursday night that he was dropping out of the race for the speakership. There did not appear to be a path forward for Scalise to get the 217 votes needed to win.

Former President Donald Trump endorsed Jordan in a Truth Social post last week, saying, “Congressman Jim Jordan has been a STAR long before making his very successful journey to Washington, D.C., representing Ohio’s 4th Congressional District.”

“He will be a GREAT Speaker of the House, & has my Complete & Total Endorsement!” Trump added.

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., has also backed Jordan. “I’m going to support Jim Jordan,” McCarthy told reporters, Fox News reported.

House Republicans have now reportedly left for the weekend. It’s not clear when there will be a floor vote for Jordan.

This is a breaking news article and will be updated.

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