(RepublicanReport.org) – On October 3, Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) filed a motion to vacate against then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). The Florida legislator was unhappy that McCarthy was working with Democrats on some issues, including a temporary deal to keep the government open. Oddly, it was Gaetz who needed those very Democrats to oust the speaker. In the end, eight GOP lawmakers joined the Left and voted to vacate the chair. Now, Republicans are looking for a new leader.
On October 6, former President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, endorsing Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH) for the job as speaker. He said the lawmaker was a “star” before he even made it to Congress. He boasted about Jordan’s time as a wrestling coach, his educational background, and stance on several issues, as reasons the Ohio rep would make a “great speaker.”
Jordan isn’t the only person vying for McCarthy’s previous position. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) also wants the job, and Representative Kevin Hern (R-OK) is considering it. At least one person, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), wants Trump to run for the position. However, House rules prevent him from doing so, given the various indictments against him.
The next speaker will have to earn 218 votes to win the position. It took McCarthy 15 rounds in January to reach that number. With the GOP side of the House divided, it’s unclear who will be able to secure that much support. According to The New York Times, Gaetz said most Conservatives would view Jordan or Scalise as a “monumental upgrade over” the previous speaker. He didn’t go so far as to say who he would support for the job.
Only one person has boldly come out in support of Jordan besides Trump. Representative Troy Nehls (R-TX) shared his enthusiasm for the prospect on social media.
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