Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) is running for speaker of the GOP-led House of Representatives.
A spokesman for the lawmaker confirmed Jordan’s plans to The Daily Wire on Wednesday, less than a day after the chamber ousted Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) from the position.
In a quote reported by the Washington Examiner, Jordan said after coming out of the speaker’s office, “I’ve had a lot of people reach out to us, asking me to do it, because I think we can. We’ll see if that happens, but I think I can.”
Multiple Republicans have already voiced support for Jordan as a candidate.
“My first choice if he will run,” Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) said in a post to X.
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), the congressman who led the effort to remove McCarthy as speaker, also indicated he would back Jordan.
“My mentor Jim Jordan would be great!” Gaetz said.
Jordan is the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, a perch from which he has led investigations into the Biden administration this year.
During an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity on Tuesday night, Jordan was asked about rumors that former President Donald Trump had been “contacted” about becoming an “interim” speaker.
Jordan said Trump would be “great” but emphasized that he wants Trump to be the next president. Trump is running a 2024 campaign for a second term in the White House.
The House voted 216-210 to remove McCarthy as speaker, a role he held since January. Eight Republicans joined with Democrats to vote against McCarthy, citing frustrations with his leadership: Gaetz, Andy Biggs (AZ), Ken Buck (CO), Eli Crane (AZ), Bob Good (VA), Matt Rosendale (MT), Tim Burchett (TN), and Nancy Mace (SC).
Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) became temporary speaker as lawmakers hash out who will run for the gavel. Multiple reports have said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) is lobbying for support for a bid. A simple majority will be needed to secure victory.
“Like every other candidate, big hurdles for [Jordan] to get to 218. But Scalise seems to have a bold-named challenger,” Punchbowl News co-founder Jake Sherman said in a post to X.