The Republicans gunning for House speaker after Jim Jordan chaos

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Aliss Higham

By Aliss Higham

Reporter

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The race to become the next speaker of the House of Representatives has been flooded with potential alternative candidates, following Jim Jordan's failed bid to win the support of his party on Friday.

Ohio Rep. Jordan fell short of the required votes to become the next speaker after three rounds of voting throughout the week. His loss followed a heated week on Capitol Hill as he and his allies attempted to persuade fellow GOP representatives to put their weight behind him. However, his efforts were in vain when 25 of his fellow party members voted against his bid in the third vote on Friday, bringing his campaign to a bitter close.

After his loss, Jordan told reporters: "We need to come together and figure out who our speaker is going to be. I'm going to work as hard as I can to help that individual so that we can go and help the American people."

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The issue is rapidly becoming more pressing, as without an elected speaker, the House is rendered unable to work effectively. This is particularly concerning given that Congress faces the looming possibility of a government shutdown next month.

GOP hopefuls have until midday on Sunday to submit their names for speaker, and there is no shortage of names potentially making it onto the ballot. Republicans will convene on Monday evening for a candidate forum, followed a conference vote that could happen on Tuesday.

The following Republicans have announced their intention to run for speaker:

Rep. Austin Scott, Georgia: challenged Jordan for the nomination last week but failed to receive any votes.
Rep. Jack Bergman, Michigan: a retired Marine Corps lieutenant general. In a statement made on the same day Jordan lost his case, he said: "My hat is in the ring, and I feel confident I can win the votes where others could not. I have no special interests to serve; I'm only in this to do what's best for our Nation and to steady the ship for the 118th Congress."
Rep. Kevin Hern, Oklahoma: chair of the Republican Study Committee. He posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday: "We need a different type of leader who has a proven track record of success, which is why I'm running for Speaker of the House."
Rep. Pete Sessions, Texas: Congressman since 1997, Sessions was once Rules Committee chair and a key ally of former speakers John Boehner and Paul Ryan. He also declared his candidacy on Friday.

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A number of other Republicans are reportedly also considering a bid for the speaker, according to Politico. However, none of the following has announced a formal bid for the role:

Rep. Byron Donalds, Florida: a member of the House Freedom Caucus.
Rep. Tom Emmer, Minnesota: he is the majority whip and previously ran the House Republican campaign arm. He has the endorsement of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, whose ousting led to the current race.
Rep. Mike Johnson, Louisiana: vice chair of the House GOP Conference.
Rep. Dan Meuser, Pennsylvania: member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, along with the Republican Main Street Caucus.
Rep. Mark Green, Tennessee: chair of the Homeland Security Committee and is a combat veteran.
Rep. Jodey Arrington, Texas: chair of the Budget Committee.
Rep. Roger Williams, Texas: chair of the Small Business Committee and is the coach and manager of the House Republican baseball team.

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