Which Republicans Voted Against Jim Jordan for Speaker?
In a moment that showcased clear divisions within the GOP, twenty House Republicans voted against their fellow party member, Rep. Jim Jordan, in his bid to become the next speaker of the House. This internal resistance prevented Jordan from securing a majority during the initial voting round.
The final results revealed an interesting split not just between Democrats and Republicans, but within the GOP itself. While Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries from New York managed to consolidate his party, clinching all 212 Democratic votes, the Republican votes were scattered.
Rep. Jordan, the presumptive favorite, secured 200 votes. Surprisingly, six of his colleagues pivoted to back former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, while seven threw their support behind House Majority Leader Steve Scalise. Rep. Lee Zeldin of New York, another key figure, earned three votes. Single votes were cast for Rep. Mike Garcia of California, Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota, Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma, and Rep. Tom Massie of Kentucky.
To understand the broader implications for the business community and the country at large, it’s crucial to look at the Republicans who deviated from the expected vote:
- Nebraska’s Rep. Don Bacon and Oregon’s Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer were among the first to signal a break in party unity, both casting their votes for McCarthy.
- From the Rocky Mountain State, Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado showed his support for Emmer.
- New York saw a split as Reps. Anthony D’Esposito and Nick LaLota voted for their state colleague, Zeldin, while Rep. Andrew Garbarino doubled that sentiment with his vote. Rep. Michael Lawler opted for McCarthy.
- Florida’s Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart and Rep. John Rutherford, alongside Texas’s Rep. Tony Gonzales, Rep. Kay Granger, and Pennsylvania’s Rep. Mike Kelly, showcased a southern swing towards Scalise. Meanwhile, Florida’s Rep. Carlos Giménez and Virginia’s Rep. Jennifer Kiggans kept their loyalty with McCarthy.
- Texas saw further division as Rep. Jake Ellzey voted for Garcia.
- Michigan’s Rep. John James supported Cole, while Indiana’s Rep. Victoria Spartz made her choice clear with a vote for Massie.
- California’s Rep. Doug LaMalfa, Idaho’s Rep. Michael Simpson, and Arkansas’s Rep. Steve Womack rounded off the surprising list by supporting McCarthy, Scalise, and Scalise, respectively.
Notably absent from this vital vote was Rep. Gus Bilirakis of Florida.
This split in the GOP vote, although concerning party unity, can be seen as an indicator of the diverse views and strategic approaches within the Republican ranks. As the political landscape continues to evolve, understanding these nuances will be key for businesses navigating regulatory and legislative changes in the coming years.
