House Republicans drop Jim Jordan as nominee for House speaker

Oct. 20 (UPI) -- House Republicans voted by secret ballot Friday to drop Rep. Jim Jordan as their candidate for speaker after he lost three rounds of votes to be elected to the position.

Jordan, R-Ohio, received fewer votes with each ballot, ending with 194 votes on Friday, falling short of the 217 vote threshold needed to be elected speaker and losing the support of 25 Republicans.

After the third failed vote, Republicans met behind closed doors to determine whether Jordan should remain the nominee.

"I thought it was important that we all know, get an answer to the question if they wanted me to continue in that role," Jordan said. "So, we put the question to them and they made a different decision."

Speaker pro tempore Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., said Republicans will hold a forum for candidates Monday, with a possible vote Tuesday.

Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., announced his candidacy for speaker. The chairman of the Republican Study Committee had decided against running earlier this month and voted for Jordan on all three ballots.

"I think our delegation needs to have somebody who wants to work to unite them, brings a different perspective, and that will be what I bring," Hern said.

Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, said he also is considering running for the position.

Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., said he won't make another run for speaker after narrowly winning the nomination earlier this month and then withdrawing amid resistance from Jordan supporters.

McHenry, who some Republicans have suggested elevating the authority to allow the chamber to resume operation, received six votes in Friday's vote after not receiving any in the first two ballots.

House Democratic leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., received the most votes with 210, but also did not reach the threshold to be elected.

Jordan said the House needs to elect a speaker and needs to get to work "for the American people" to help Israel and fund the government.

Asked about the $100 billion foreign aid package from President Biden intends to send to Congress to support Ukraine and Israel, Jordan said nothing about Ukraine but indicated support for Israel.

"We certainly need to help Israel. I've got to see the package, But again, we can't do that. The House isn't open. All the more reason why we need to get the House open as soon as possible."