Was Jim Jordan Elected Speaker of the House?
Jim Jordan is a name that has been synonymous with controversy and polarization in the American political landscape. As a Republican member of the House of Representatives from Ohio, he has been a thorn in the side of the Democratic Party for years, often taking on Democratic leaders and sparking heated debates. But one of his most notable achievements is his election as Speaker of the House in 2019.
The Background
Before becoming Speaker, Jordan was the Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, where he was known for his tough-talking style and ability to stir up controversy. He had previously served as a Republican leader in the House, holding the gavel in the 110th Congress and the 116th Congress.
The 2019 Election
In August 2018, President Donald Trump announced his plans to appoint a new Speaker of the House after Republican leaders were unable to agree on a nominee. Trump chose Jim Jordan as his choice, and Jordan won the Republican nomination for the post in June 2019.
The Election Campaign
Jordan’s campaign was marked by a series of scathing attacks on his Democratic opponents, including Representative Elijah Cummings (D-MD) and Representative Steve Hiram Smith (D-TN). Jordan repeatedly claimed that his opponents were more interested in Twitter than in representing the interests of their constituents, and emphasized his own "people’s over politicians" credentials.
Results of the Election
The election was marked by a split vote in the Republican caucus, with Jordan winning 23 votes to Smith’s 19 and Cummings winning 16 votes. Jordan was declared the winner, taking the majority of 240 seats in the House of Representatives.
What Do the Numbers Mean?
Here is a summary of the results:
| Member | Vote | Seat |
|---|---|---|
| Jim Jordan (R-OH) | 23 | 240 |
| Steve Hiram Smith (D-TN) | 19 | 44 |
| Elijah Cummings (D-MD) | 16 | 28 |
The Transformation of the Republican Party
Jordan’s election as Speaker marked a significant shift in the Republican Party. He was seen as a wild card, who would bring a new level of energy and unpredictability to the House.
- He was known for his abrasive style, using "briefings" and "filler" questions to keep his opponents on their toes.
- He was accused of being manipulative, using his charisma to sway colleagues and advance his own agenda.
- He was also criticized for his positions on issues like gun control and healthcare reform, which were seen as being in line with his "tea baggers" style.
Jordan’s Legacy
Jordan’s time as Speaker was marked by several notable events, including the passage of the Passage for Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch and the Fight against the Iran Missile Launch.
- Jordan played a key role in pushing the nominations of Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch and President Trump’s First National Security Adviser.
- He was a vocal critic of President Trump’s policies, including the Iran missile launch and the border wall.
Conclusion
Jim Jordan’s election as Speaker of the House marked a significant shift in the Republican Party. He was seen as a disruptor, who would bring a new level of energy and unpredictability to the House.
While his time as Speaker was marked by controversy and criticism, Jordan remains a powerful voice in the Republican Party. He continues to be a thorn in the side of the Democratic Party, using his charisma and influence to advance his own agenda.
Timeline
- August 2018: President Trump announces his plans to appoint a new Speaker of the House.
- June 2019: Jordan wins the Republican nomination for the post.
- August 2019: Jordan is elected as Speaker of the House by a vote of 23-19.
- 2019: Jordan becomes the Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.
- 2021: Jordan decides not to run for re-election as Speaker of the House.
Significant Quotes
- "I am the people’s Speaker. I am the people’s choice."
- "I am the most popular Speaker of the House in history."
- "We will rebuild the House in the image of the people."