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House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-OH) was asked whether he would have any interest in running for House Speaker after Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was ousted in a historic vote on Tuesday.
Jordan has long been popular with House conservatives and is a member of the Freedom Caucus, though he did opt to defend McCarthy in this week’s vote. He also backed McCarthy in January and issued a nominating speech in favor of him despite the fact that McCarthy detractors nominated Jordan himself on several ballots.
His popularity across the Republican conference has seen him emerge as a top contender to fill the Speaker position, with some members of Congress already nominating him to replace McCarthy.
When asked by reporters for his thoughts on the matter, Jordan praised McCarthy and gave a cryptic answer when asked about a potential bid. “How disappointed are you with what happened here?” asked a reporter.
“I thought it was unfair to Kevin,” Jordan replied. “Kevin I think has done a fine job. He and I came in together, he’s a good man, and he didn’t deserve this in my judgement.”
A CNN reporter then asked if Jordan had any interest in running for the open position. “That’s a decision for the conference,” Jordan answered. “So you’re open to it?” the CNN reporter followed up.
The House Judiciary Committee chair then opted to remain silent while walking away.
Jordan repeated his answer during an appearance on Hannity, stating that he would leave the decision to the Republican conference.
In the hours following McCarthy’s historic removal, some members of the Republican conference have indeed named Rep. Jordan as a potential replacement. U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) tagged his Republican colleague in an X post and urged him to run for Speaker shortly after McCarthy’s press conference.
@Jim_Jordan for Speaker.
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) October 3, 2023
