Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) says he'll support Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) in his effort to become the House's next speaker.
McCarthy shared his support during a Fox News interview on "Sunday Morning Features."
McCarthy vows to do 'everything' he can to help Jim Jordan become House speaker https://t.co/DLBGixrW3B via @nypost
— Barbara Wisbey (@WisbeyBarbara) October 16, 2023
“I think Jim Jordan can get there. I’m one who understands how difficult it is. I did walk in with more support during this time, but I believe at the end of the day, Jim can get there," McCarthy said.
“I’m doing everything I can to help him be able to become Speaker," he added.
Kevin McCarthy will support House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan for Speaker: "Jim was a great ally to me." https://t.co/tLSYkwCYv3
— The Hill (@thehill) October 14, 2023
"Jordan is set to go up against Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) on the House floor if he can secure enough votes — but there are several members strongly opposed to giving Jordan the gavel," the Hill reported.
"Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) told reporters Friday that there was nothing Jordan could do to earn his vote. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) also noted he wouldn’t support the Ohio lawmaker, and that he thinks Jordan couldn’t earn enough votes," it continued.
During Friday's Republican nominating meeting, Jordan earned 152 voters, but the total remained far short of the 217 needed to win in the House.
With only a slim majority over Democrats, House Republicans need near-unanimous agreement to confirm the next speaker.
Some are accusing Rogers of seeking a deal with Democrats in order to secure his vote but it's unclear what details such a deal would include or how serious the discussion is as of Monday.
The vote on Tuesday will force Republicans to go on record with where they stand, deciding on whether to unite or to remain divided over its party's leadership.
