House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., center, joined at right by Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, pause during a news conference after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi rejected two Republicans chosen for the committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection, Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., and Rep. Jordan, R-Ohio, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, July 21, 2021. McCarthy is denouncing the decision as “an egregious abuse of power,” by Pelosi.
Mary ManleyUS House Republicans rejected Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) as the next House speaker. His failure to secure the votes caused one Fox News host to openly voice his frustration. Fox News host Brian Kilmeade was caught on a hot mic on Tuesday, voicing his anger at House Republicans while voting was underway for the next House speaker. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) ultimately failed on the first ballot as 20 House Republicans voted against him. While co-hosting Fox News’ “Outnumbered,” Kilmeade called Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) a “dumba**” after he voted for former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted from the role in an unprecedented move by a group of hard-right Republicans. McCarthy has chosen not to run again for the position.
At least 217 votes were needed to win the position of House speaker. Representative Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) managed to lock in all 212 Democratic votes while Jordan received just 200.
For now, the House will remain at a standstill as House GOP members watch their control remain at a stalemate amidst intraparty fighting between moderate Republicans and hardline GOP members.