Unapologetic conservative Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) is considering challenging Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), a surprising move that could upend the race to replace House Speaker Paul Ryan.
USA Today reports:
“I’ve had colleagues encourage me to consider that and I’m open to that,” Jordan, the former chair of the House Freedom Caucus, told USA TODAY Friday morning. The Ohio Republican was on his way to a meeting with the roughly three-dozen member group but would not share details about what he planned to discuss.
Jordan said that at this moment there was no race to replace Ryan, as the Wisconsin Republican would remain speaker through the end of the session, and Jordan was focused on keeping conservative campaign promises, such as welfare reform.
“The most important thing over the next six months is doing the right thing so we keep the majority,” he said. House Republicans face an uphill battle to hold onto their majority with Democratic enthusiasm growing as more and more Republicans announce they will not seek re-election.
Ryan announced this week he would retire at the end of his term. His decision forces Republicans to consider who should replace him.
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AAN Staff
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