Jordan Inches Closer to Speakers Gavel After Weekend Pressure Campaign
The United States House of Representatives is on the brink of having its first African-American Speaker in nearly two decades after weekend pressure from the Congressional Black Caucus and other Democrats pushed long-time Virginian Congressman Jim Jordan a large step closer to claiming the speaker’s gavel.
Jordan is a respected leader among House Democrats who served as Whip for the Minority Republicans prior to the 2018 election when the Democrats gained control of the House. Despite having opposed the party on some social issues, notably on immigration, Jordan has been nominated by Speaker Nancy Pelosi as her successor.
If elected, Jordan would become the first African-American Speaker of the House since Republican J.C. Watts over 20 years ago. Jordan, a native of Brooklyn, New York, would be the first Speaker with Brooklyn roots since Democrat Charles Rangel in the mid-1990s.
Pressure from the CBC and other African-American leaders, which has been growing since Pelosi signaled that she was ready to leave her post after serving two terms, has pushed Jordan closer to becoming the next Speaker.
Though some Democrats are concerned that Jordan’s outsider status and conservative views may cause friction in the House, the majority of the caucus is standing united behind him. This unity was key in aiding him in defeating potential challengers, including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who is now a decided second choice of many Democrats.
The upcoming November elections will likely determine if Jordan will be officially elected Speaker when the new House meets in January 2021. Jordan has expressed confidence in his ability to rally his party and has urged fellow Democrats to remain united in the weeks and months leading up to the election.
If Jordan does become Speaker, he will face a number of difficult challenges associated with running the House, including dealing with a Republican-led Senate and President Donald Trump in the White House. Despite this, he has made history in becoming the sole African-American nominated for the Speaker’s gavel over the past two decades.