Rep. Jim Jordan, the Republicans’ nominee for House speaker, is putting his bid for the gavel on hold after spending days unsuccessfully trying to convince GOP holdouts to back him.

House Republicans are now debating a backup plan: Voting to give appointed temporary Speaker Patrick McHenry of North Carolina the power to legislate, which he now lacks under the rules of the House.

Mr. Jordan, a firebrand conservative and hero of the party’s right wing, isn’t giving up his bid entirely but his path forward will be difficult.

He lost ground on a second ballot Wednesday and would have to convince 18 Republicans to flip their no votes.

Moderate Republican holdouts say if another ballot is cast, Mr. Jordan could lose more support.

• Susan Ferrechio can be reached at sferrechio@washingtontimes.com.

• Alex Miller can be reached at amiller@washingtontimes.com.