House Republicans plunged further into a leadership crisis Friday after Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, failed for the third time to secure enough votes to become Speaker of the House.
Hours after Jordan's latest defeat, Republican lawmakers met behind closed doors and voted to remove him as their nominee, leaving the party without a candidate and the House of Representatives without an elected speaker.
The decision comes more than two weeks after Republicans removed Kevin McCarthy from the speakership, triggering an increasingly bitter struggle for control of the chamber.
Three Votes, Three Defeats
Jordan entered Friday's vote insisting that he could eventually unite his Republican colleagues.
Instead, his support continued to collapse.
On Tuesday, 20 Republicans voted against him. That number increased to 22 on Wednesday and reached 25 on Friday.
The final tally of the third ballot was 194 votes for Jordan and 210 for Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, with the remaining votes scattered among other candidates.
Jordan needed a majority of those voting for a named candidate to win the speakership.
Despite Trump's endorsement and an aggressive campaign by conservative allies, Jordan was unable to overcome opposition within his own party.
Republicans Reject Jordan Behind Closed Doors
Following Friday's failed floor vote, House Republicans gathered privately to decide whether Jordan should remain their candidate.
The result was decisive.
By a secret ballot of 112 to 86, Republicans voted to end Jordan's nomination.
Jordan subsequently announced that he would no longer pursue the position.
The vote represents a significant setback for Trump, who had publicly endorsed Jordan and encouraged Republicans to support him.
Jordan, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has been among Trump's most prominent defenders in Congress.
He also played a visible role in challenging the results of the 2020 presidential election.
Threats and Pressure Against Republican Holdouts
Jordan's campaign has been accompanied by reports of intense pressure directed at Republican lawmakers refusing to support him.
Several members have reported threatening messages, harassment, and intimidation aimed at themselves or their families.
Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska and other Republican holdouts have publicly discussed the pressure surrounding the speaker election.
Jordan has condemned threats against his colleagues, but the controversy has complicated his efforts to win their support.
The resistance also reflects broader disagreements within the Republican conference over leadership, legislative strategy, and the influence of Trump's political movement.
Congress Remains Unable to Conduct Normal Business
The leadership crisis began October 3 when eight Republicans joined House Democrats in voting to remove McCarthy.
Since then, Republicans have failed to agree on a replacement.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise initially won the party's nomination but withdrew after concluding that he lacked sufficient support.
Jordan's failure leaves Republicans searching for a third candidate.
Meanwhile, the House remains unable to conduct its normal legislative business, even as lawmakers face approaching government funding deadlines and urgent requests for international assistance.
President Joe Biden has asked Congress for additional security funding for Ukraine and Israel, but the speaker vacancy complicates consideration of that request.
Republicans Must Start Over
House Republicans are now preparing another round of leadership discussions, with a candidate forum expected Monday and another attempt to select a nominee planned for Tuesday.
Several lawmakers are already expressing interest in the position.
But the fundamental problem remains unchanged: Republicans hold the House majority, yet their internal divisions have prevented them from agreeing on who should lead it.
The failed Jordan nomination also raises questions about the influence of Trump within the Republican conference. His endorsement helped elevate Jordan's candidacy but could not persuade enough Republican lawmakers to support him.
For now, the House remains without an elected speaker, and Republicans must begin the selection process again.
Seventeen days after removing their own speaker, House Republicans have rejected another nominee and remain unable to agree on a replacement.