MAGA Rallies Behind Jim Jordan for House Speaker

Ohio Representative Jim Jordan received support from some MAGA-aligned Republicans to replace newly-ousted Kevin McCarthy as the next House speaker.

On Wednesday morning, the day after McCarthy's ousting, Andrew Solender of Axios reported that Jordan was asked about potentially running for House speaker.

"We need to unite the conference, I think I can do that. My colleagues who have reached out to me seem to think the same thing," Jordan said, according to Solender. Jordan also confirmed his plans by posting a letter he wrote to his fellow Republicans seeking their support on X, formerly Twitter.

Jordan's office directed Newsweek to his letter when contacted for comment.

Earlier this week, the House of Representatives voted to remove McCarthy from his position as House speaker, with some Republican members siding with Democrats in a 216-210 vote.

Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, a strong supporter of former President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement, wrote on X that "my mentor Jim Jordan would be great" in the role.

Gaetz led the charge to have McCarthy ousted as House speaker, proposing the initial motion to vacate the position shortly after McCarthy negotiated a stopgap funding bill to prevent a government shutdown that was backed by the Democrats.

"It is becoming increasingly clear who the speaker of the House already works for and it's not the Republican Conference," Gaetz said in a speech on the House floor when announcing the motion.

Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, also said he supports Jordan as House speaker.

Indiana Representative Jim Banks wrote on X: "When it comes to negotiating on behalf of the House GOP Majority with the Senate and White House, I can't think of anyone stronger than @Jim_Jordan to be our next Speaker of the House. He never backs down and has my full support."

Representative Mike Carey, a Republican from Ohio, also expressed support for Jordan.

"House Republicans need a leader who can unite the conference and build on the accomplishments of Kevin McCarthy," Carey wrote in a statement posted to X. "We were elected to rein in runaway federal spending, curb inflation, combat rising crime, and fix this border crisis. Jim Jordan is a proven conservative fighter who can continue delivering on our commitment to America."

Similarly, California Republican Representative Darrell Issa wrote: "We face difficult challenges, but the choice is clear: We need Jim Jordan as our next Speaker of the House."

Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk said on X: "If this entire process ends with Jim Jordan as the new House Speaker, then Republicans will be in a great position moving forward. Jim Jordan for House Speaker!"

While speaking to reporters following the vote to oust McCarthy, Gaetz said, "Kevin McCarthy couldn't keep his word. He made an agreement in January regarding the way Washington would work, and he violated that agreement."

McCarthy responded to the vote, hitting at Republicans who voted in favor of removing him as House speaker.

"The trustworthiness of a lot of individuals, it makes it difficult...I do not think, regardless of who the speaker is, that you should have that rule," he said. While speaking specifically about Gaetz, McCarthy said, "It was personal."

Update 10/04/23, 12:56 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.