WASHINGTON, D.C. – It was another hectic day on Capitol Hill as House Republicans continued the search for a new Speaker of the House.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) dropped out of the race Thursday evening after it was clear he would not be able to reach the 217-vote threshold of support he needed from his colleagues.
Republicans met this morning, and multiple times throughout the afternoon behind closed doors before nominating Congressman Jim Jordan (R-OH). Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA) tossed his name in the race, but as of Friday evening, is endorsing Jordan for Speaker.
Jordan won the nomination over Scott in a closed door vote late Friday afternoon. It’s still unclear if Jordan has the support to reach the 217-vote threshold from House GOP colleagues.
“It’s a continual process,” said Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson before Friday’s vote. “We’ll see if these candidates, if anybody gets the magic number of 217 and hopefully somebody does. And if not, we’ll open up for more nominations.”
“I think it’s time for us to unite around Jim Jordan and that he can deliver 217 votes on the floor,” said Congressman Nick Langworthy (R-NY). “We need to come together. We need to get back to work for the American people.”
The House is not scheduled to return on Monday. It’s been almost two weeks since the House successfully voted out Kevin McCarthy from his Speakership.
