Jim Jordan plans to press forward in speakership bid despite back-to-back losses

After failing to secure the House speakership in two votes so far, GOP Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio plans to forge ahead in his bid to win the gavel.

In what was likely a reference to the idea of ending the legislative chamber's paralysis by temporarily empowering Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.), Jordan said that in a bid to "lower the temperature and get back to work" a pitch was made to members on a resolution, but it was decided that they would not go in that direction. He said that he is still running for the speakership and intends to win the contest, and wanted to speak to the lawmakers who had voted against him.

But Jordan faces an uphill battle. In the first round he earned 200 votes, before slipping to 199 during the second round of balloting when 22 Republicans voted for someone other than him.

The House has been paralyzed since Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California was ousted from the speakership earlier this month. McCarthy had won the job after 15 rounds of balloting in January.

GOP Rep. Jack Bergman's communications director James Hogge has noted that the lawmaker would be willing to serve as speaker if Jordan cannot secure the support necessary to win the gavel. Bergman voted for Jordan in the two votes held so far.

Earlier this month, former President Donald Trump indicated that he would be willing to temporarily serve as speaker if Republicans fail to pick someone to fill the slot. "I will do it if necessary, should they not be able to make their decision," Trump noted, according to Fox News Digital. Trump has endorsed Jordan for speaker.

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