In a recent development, Representative Jim Jordan, a Republican from Ohio, is reportedly planning to arrange a floor vote on Tuesday to decide his candidacy for the position of Speaker, according to a source familiar with the situation who spoke to Fox News Digital.
Jordan, who currently chairs the Judiciary Committee, secured the nomination for the speakership on Friday following a vote by the Republican conference. The source indicated that Tuesday is the most suitable day for a floor vote, as the majority of members are expected to be back in the Capitol and available to vote.
On Sunday, House Democratic leaders notified their caucus that the vote for the Speaker's position would take place around noon on Tuesday.
However, Jordan's journey to the speakership is fraught with challenges. He needs to win over 55 Republicans who, on Friday, suggested they would not back the Ohio Republican in a floor vote during the secret balloting process.
The nomination of Jordan followed a tumultuous few weeks in Capitol Hill. Former Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy, a Republican from California, lost his position in a vote instigated by Representative Matt Gaetz, a Republican from Florida. Initially, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, a Republican from Louisiana, was the preferred choice of the Republican conference to replace McCarthy. Scalise outvoted Jordan last week but unexpectedly withdrew from the race on Thursday night.
Subsequently, Jordan faced an unexpected challenge for the nomination from Representative Austin Scott, a Republican from Georgia. However, Jordan triumphed over Scott in a 124-81 vote. A second vote intended to measure support for Jordan on the House floor revealed that 55 Republicans were against him. Nevertheless, Scott pledged his support to Jordan after losing the previous vote.
"I highly respect Jim Jordan," Scott stated on social media following the vote. "He is an asset to the Republican Party and our nominee for Speaker."
Jordan responded, "Our conference has spoken, and now we must unite behind Jordan so we can get Congress back to work."
The House adjourned for the weekend, providing Jordan with a chance to solidify support for his candidacy. Assuming no Democrats back Jordan during the floor vote, he can only afford four Republican defections to succeed.
When contacted by Fox News Digital, Jordan's press secretary, Russell Dye, stated that the Ohio Republican "has made it clear that he wants to unite the conference in order to pass the bills that the American people expect." Among his priorities are "giving Israel the resources they need to destroy Hamas, securing the border, and reforming FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act)."
"He is looking forward to working with the entire conference to do so when he's speaker," Dye added.
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