Jordan Races to Secure Support After 20 Republicans Vote Against Him on First Ballot for Speaker

Rep. Jim Jordan will face a second ballot on Oct. 18 amid growing uncertainty about whether he can rally the support of fellow Republicans.

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) walks to a meeting with House Republicans after the House failed to elect a new speaker on the first round of votes at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington on Oct. 17, 2023. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

House Republicans tried and failed to elect a speaker in a floor vote Oct. 17, prolonging the drama that began with the ousting of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) two weeks ago.

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), who was the GOP conference’s second choice to replace Mr. McCarthy, gained 200 votes on a first ballot cast in the early afternoon, well short of 217 needed to elect.