Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has weighed into the House of Representatives' search for its next speaker, stating that he is doing "everything that I can" to get Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) the gavel.
Earlier this month, the House voted historically to remove McCarthy from the position of House speaker, with eight Republicans joining all of the House Democrats to oust him from his role. Since then, the House is still searching for a new speaker, with Jordan winning the Republicans' latest nomination for the position on Friday.
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"Look, I think Jim Jordan can get there," McCarthy said. "I'm one who understands how difficult it is. I did walk in with more support during this time, but I believe at the end of the day, Jim can get there, and I’m doing everything I can to help him be able to become speaker."
McCarthy stated that while Jordan may have trouble earning enough votes to become the next speaker, he did note that Jordan has been talking with House Republicans to assess "what their challenges are." The former speaker's statement comes after a secret ballot vote on Friday asked members if they would support Jordan on the House floor as the nominee, with the total coming out to 152 yes votes, 55 no votes, and one person voting present — far short of the 217 votes Jordan would need.
Ahead of the House speaker vote, several Republicans have taken to social media to voice their support for Jordan, including Reps. Byron Donalds (R-FL), Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), and Ralph Norman (R-SC), with the latter describing Jordan as "EXACTLY who we need to unite the House and move our nation forward."
Jim Jordan for Speaker of the United States House of Representatives!
— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) October 15, 2023
No more delays.
Our voters want Jim, I’m with Jim, the House is ready for Jim, America NEEDS Jim.
Let’s get to work!
????????Secure the border
????????Hold Biden accountable
????????Rein in spending
????????Stand for Law & Order pic.twitter.com/4nUA80PBr0
One of the most important races in our lifetime. I am voting for @Jim_Jordan. pic.twitter.com/yl59wTrtMh
— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) October 14, 2023
It's now or never! Without a strong Speaker, we have NO CHANCE of reducing spending, securing the border, or stopping Biden's left-wing agenda.
— Rep. Ralph Norman (@RepRalphNorman) October 15, 2023
We're at a pivotal crossroads, and @Jim_Jordan is EXACTLY who we need to unite the House and move our nation forward. #JordanForSpeaker pic.twitter.com/GPhaWbNHIS
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Some House Republicans have floated Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) as a potential candidate if Jordan is short 217 votes, according to a source familiar. However, Johnson has stated on social media he will not enter the race for House speaker "at this time" and will instead advocate for Jordan.
House Democrats are expected to vote for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries as House speaker.