In a surprising turn of events, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) has gained a significant endorsement from House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) in his bid for Speaker of the House. This endorsement could have seismic implications for the Speaker’s contest, as it brings along many defense hawks who were previously concerned about Jordan’s spending plans and their potential impact on defense.
However, despite this major win, Jordan still faces an uphill battle in his quest to become Speaker. The math remains challenging for him, and forcing a roll call vote on the House floor is a risky tactic. While Jordan could potentially secure the win, it also exposes how many members oppose him if he were to lose. This could lead to another spectacle on the floor, similar to what happened in January during the election of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).
Nevertheless, it seems that Jordan is willing to take this risk. By daring Republicans to vote against him on the floor, he aims to identify which Republicans are willing to oppose him and then use the outrage machine and the influence of former President Trump to discredit them. This high-stakes strategy could reveal just how close Jordan is to winning or highlight the significant deficit he faces. If he is less than 20 votes short, he may still have a chance, but if the gap is larger, it may be difficult for him to ever secure the Speakership.
However, there is a potential downside to this tactic. Some Republicans may start directing their anger towards Jordan for putting pressure on skeptical members to oppose him on the floor. This could ultimately drive support away from him. The battle for the Speakership will ultimately come down to a battle of wills, and Jordan’s willingness to continue calling for votes in an effort to wear down his opponents may play a crucial role.
It is worth noting that there is a growing level of antipathy towards Jordan, even among Republicans, particularly due to his actions towards House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.). This could further complicate Jordan’s path to victory.
In conclusion, while Jordan has made some headway in his campaign for Speaker, the opposition he faces from within his own party suggests that the battle is far from over. The coming days will likely see a continued and pitched battle as the House votes to determine its next Speaker. Ultimately, it will all boil down to the math and the support Jordan can gather.
Chad Pergram, a senior congressional correspondent for FOX News Channel, provided this update on the ongoing Speaker’s contest.
