Former President Donald Trump is making waves in the political landscape once again with his endorsement of Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) as Speaker of the House. Taking himself out of the race to stay focused on the presidential campaign trail is likely a better move for Trump and for our nation’s people..
Still, this came as disappointing news to some Trump fans who were eager to see him take back power in any fashion. After Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) said he would nominate the former president for the House Speaker position, Trump told Fox News he would be open to doing whatever was necessary to help out, but only on a temporary basis.
It comes as little surprise that Trump would throw his support behind Jordan, whose allegiance to Trump hasn’t wavered. But an endorsement from Trump won’t guarantee a win for Jordan any more than it has for other politicians, though it’s likely to give him an edge over his competition with some members of Congress.
Trump took to Truth Social to endorse Jordan, stating “Congressman Jim Jordan has been a STAR long before making his very successful journey to Washington, DC, representing Ohio’s 4th Congressional District.” Trump continued, “He will be a GREAT Speaker of the House & has my Complete and Total Endorsement!”
Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Jim Jordan has been a strong supporter of Trump over the years — and we would expect from any pick Trump has lined up for an endorsement. That being said, Trump has been accused of playing favorites, and Jordan is no exception.
Following Trump’s post, Jordan wasted no time in publicly announcing his intention to run for House Speaker. While he was the first candidate to throw his hat in the ring, he’s not alone.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) has joined him in the race, and it is expected that others will soon follow in what should be a fierce competition. To some, Scalise feels like an establishment pick, and many aren’t keen on his support of more funding for Ukraine.
An anti-Trump group launched a new ad pushing House Republicans to elect a new speaker who will support more Ukraine aid. Of the three frontrunners, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise has shown more support for aid than Jim Jordan or Kevin Hern. https://t.co/wt8FyE0QBw pic.twitter.com/1S755rufR4
— The Hill (@thehill) October 6, 2023
Another name being tossed around is Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK), who serves as Chairman of the Republican Study Committee. At this time, it appears Hern is still undecided about the race.
I still haven’t made a decision on my candidacy for speaker, but I know one thing for sure.
I will not be participating in the televised debate.
We need to make this decision as a conference, not on TV. The Republican conference needs a family discussion.
— Congressman Kevin Hern (@repkevinhern) October 6, 2023
Trump’s endorsement comes in the wake of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) being unseated. McCarthy was elected as House Speaker just nine months ago. Earlier this week, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) joined seven House Republican colleagues in a vote that vacated McCarthy from office.
Congress has been up in arms over the decision, and many are labeling Gaetz and his like-minded peers as far-right MAGA conservatives — shaming them for voting with Democrats. Gaetz responded to insults on X:
“If this country is going down, I am going down fighting. I don’t care if that means fighting Republicans, Democrats, the uniparty, House leadership, the PACs, or the lobbyists.”
I don’t feel pressure from conservatives or Democrats. I feel the judgment of history. I worry that when the history books are written about this country going down, that my name is going to be on the Board of Directors here.
If this country is going down, I am going down… pic.twitter.com/9bFWtOoAJ2
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) October 3, 2023
At the same time, the dynamic has shifted in the House, and the fractured nature of the Republican Party will require these candidates to not only gain the support of their colleagues but also score some votes from the Democrats as well. Thus, whoever does become the next House Speaker will stand to wield significant power over legislative priorities across the aisle.
Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) will continue to serve as Interim Speaker until the election. McCarthy’s ousting was the first removal of a House Speaker in congressional history. It looks as though the race to fill the seat could keep us on the edges of ours.
