Thursday afternoon, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) made his case to the pragmatic Main Street Caucus for the speakership.
That group is a critical one for Jordan to please in order to achieve the top spot. In addition to its conservative members, the business-oriented caucus has a sizeable number of moderates.
These moderates, especially those hailing from districts won by President Biden in 2020, may be hesitant to support a lawmaker who formerly commanded the far-right House Freedom Caucus.
“I believe there is still some reluctance among New Yorkers, especially in Biden districts, because Jim Jordan has been so pro-Trump,” a source familiar with the meeting told Fox News Digital afterward. There are moderates in Biden districts who might not feel at ease.
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However, two Main Street Caucus members, both from districts with a preponderance of Republican voters, told Fox News Digital after the meeting that Jordan presented a compelling case for himself.
Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Florida, who had raised concerns about the one-member threshold for vacating a seat, stated that Jordan effectively addressed his and others’ concerns.
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) was able to call for the ouster of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday thanks to the one-member motion to vacate rule. Gaetz and seven other Republicans joined House Democrats in booting McCarthy, R-Calif., from leadership on Tuesday – leaving a power vacuum in his aftermath.
“He recognizes the need for a regulation change. I believe that he intends to make the necessary changes. And he may be the only person who can alter this norm,” Gimenez told Fox News Digital. “I trust Jim Jordan… I have no issue recommending him as a speaker.”
Gimenez stated that Main Street Caucus Republicans “made it abundantly clear” during the meeting that modifying the motion to vacate rule “was our top priority.”
“I am a Freedom Caucus affiliate. And, just so you know, I had some reservations about Jim Jordan, but I’ve come to know him,” he said. “I believe he is clever. I also believe that Jim Jordan is an extremely honorable individual. True to his word.”
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-New York, told Fox News Digital that Jordan had also impressed her and that he could serve as a bridge between moderates and conservatives.
“Jim Jordan’s presentation was excellent. Due to his relationships with the Freedom Caucus, moderates, and moderate-to-extreme conservatives, he is likely to be able to bring everyone together, which is one of his strengths, she said.
Avoiding a potential government closure, working with Democrats in both the House and the Senate, and modifying the motion to vacate the rule were reportedly discussed.
