Revamped Title: GOP on the Prowl: Politicking to Replace Ousted House Speaker Jordan

The Republican party in The United States House of Representatives is in flux following the ousting of speaker representative Jim Jordan, the controversial representative from Ohio. This has opened up a new race for the Speaker of the House, as traditional and more conservative members of the party vie for control. Jordan, who had been the Representative for Ohio’s Fourth district since 2007, was first elected as the speaker following the 2018 mid-term elections. His tenure as speaker was marked by multiple controversies. He was accused of mishandling the investigation into misconduct and abuse allegations at Ohio State University in his capacity as a wrestling coach. He also faced questions for his involvement in the House GOP’s failed attempt to repeal the Affordable Healthcare Act, and he embraced some of the rhetoric that was further polarizing the party. However, his time as speaker came to an abrupt end when he announced his retirement due to his family’s wishes in February. With Jordan gone, it is now up to the Republican caucus to determine who they want to lead them moving forward. At the moment, two representatives appear to be the frontrunners for the Republican nomination: Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California and Representative Steve Scalise of Louisiana. McCarthy has been the House’s minority leader since 2019. He has embraced many of the platforms that were popular among the Republican base, such as reducing taxes and regulations and opposing abortion. However, he has been less aggressive on immigration reform than other members of the party, which has caused many of the more conservative members of the caucus to sour on him. Scalise has been the Representative for Louisiana’s First district since 2008. He is a more conservative member of the party, and he has been a vocal opponent of abortion and same-sex marriage. He is also one of the more outspoken defenders of the Second Amendment. He is seen as a unifying figure in the Republican caucus and has the potential to bring the different factions of the party together. At the moment, the race to become the next Speaker of the House is still a wide open contest. The Republican caucus will now have to find a way to unite behind either McCarthy or Scalise, whoever it may be. Regardless of who is chosen, they will have some big shoes to fill now that Jordan is gone.