Arizona’s Republican House delegation stood by Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH-04) in Friday’s latest vote for Speaker of the House, even as Jordan saw more members of his party leave his side.
The firebrand conservative lost his third vote Friday morning, this time with 25 Republicans voting against him. The number of defectors continues to rise with no end to the slim majority party’s internecine feud in sight.
In Arizona, all six Republican House members backed Jordan in the latest vote. Not surprisingly, Arizona’s three Democrats did not.
Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05) urged Americans to call their members of Congress in support of Jordan and to end the gridlock that has gripped the paralyzed House since Biggs and seven other conservative House members forced the removal of Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA-20) following Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-FL-01)’s historic “motion to vacate.”
“If you, the American people, want Jim Jordan as your Speaker, keep calling your Representatives,” Biggs wrote on his X account before the latest ballot.
If you, the American people, want Jim Jordan as your Speaker, keep calling your Representatives.
Don't go scorched-earth, but respectfully let your voices be heard. pic.twitter.com/JSRreQBCm2
— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) October 20, 2023
“Don’t go scorched-earth, but respectfully let your voices be heard,” he added.
Perhaps a proper warning after Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, (R-IA-01) said she received death threats on Thursday after changing her vote and voting against Jordan.
“Since my vote … I have received credible death threats and a barrage of threatening calls. The proper authorities have been notified and my office is cooperating fully,” Miller-Meeks said in a statement that was also posted on X.
It appeared the struggle may go on.
Arizona Congressman Eli Crane (R-AZ-02)reposted a statement from Representative Bob Good (R-VA-05) noting McCarthy “lost votes for 9 rounds in January, and never gained 1 vote until the 12h round, when 14 of 20 flipped.”
Before Friday’s third ballot, Good wrote on X: “Jim Jordan has only been voted on twice, and lost a net of 1 vote. He will win if we keep voting.”
Kevin McCarthy lost votes for 9 rounds in January, and never gained 1 vote until the 12th round, when 14 of the 20 flipped. Jim Jordan has only been voted on twice, and lost a net of 1 vote. He will win if we keep voting.
— Congressman Bob Good (@RepBobGood) October 20, 2023
Jordan has not signaled he will end his campaign for the speaker’s gavel. Before Friday’s vote he said, “The American people are hungry for change.”
Here’s who voted against Jordan on the latest speaker ballot:
- Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16) voted for Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL-19).
- Representative Don Bacon (R-NE-02) voted for Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry (R-NC-10).
- Representative Ken Buck (R-CO-04) voted for Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN-06).
- Representative Lori Chavez-DeRamer (R-OR-05) voted for McHenry.
- Representative Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY-04) voted for former Representative Lee Zeldin.
- Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-26) voted for Representative Steve Scalise (R-LA-01).
- Representative Jake Ellzey (R-TX-06) voted for Representative Mike Garcia (R-CA-25).
- Representative Drew Ferguson (R-GA-03) voted for Scalise.
- Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) voted for McHenry.
- Representative Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02) voted for Zeldin.
- Representative Carlos Gimenez (R-FL-26) voted for McCarthy.
- Representative Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23) voted for Scalise.
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M.D. Kittle is the National Political Editor for The Star News Network.
