Will You Vote For President Trump A Third Time?

Jim Jordan, the leader of the House Judiciary Committee from Ohio, faced dwindling support in his third attempt to secure the position of Speaker, intensifying perceptions that his campaign is faltering without hope of revival.

Here’s why this is crucial: A growing sense of restlessness is permeating among House Republicans, with many expressing reluctance to endure a protracted selection process akin to the 15 rounds that culminated in Kevin McCarthy’s previous appointment as Speaker.

What’s happening now: In a telling shift, 25 House Republicans diverged from Jordan in favor of alternative candidates during the third round of voting, a slight but noticeable increase from the 22 and 20 dissenters in the second and first rounds, respectively.

In a show of party solidarity, every House Democrat cast their vote for Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, maintaining a consistent stance throughout the 2023 voting sessions.

Reading between the lines: Several GOP legislators confided to Axios their anticipation of a continued exodus from Jordan’s camp in any subsequent rounds of voting.

“We hold this institution in high regard, and the notion of deconstructing it to its bare bones is simply intolerable,” Rep. Steve Womack of Arkansas shared with Axios. “Having once shifted allegiances away from Jordan, it’s implausible to revert support back to him, given the inevitable backlash from the party’s base,” another Republican insider added in discussions with Axios. The crux of the matter: The path ahead for the Republicans is mired in uncertainty.

Jordan’s strategy took an abrupt detour on Thursday. Initially, he intended to endorse a temporary measure to vest legislative authority in Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry. However, he backpedaled in the face of vehement opposition from conservative ranks.