One of the most critical holdouts previously opposed to Rep. Jim Jordan’s (R-OH) ascent to House Speaker has changed course, announcing Monday that he will be supporting the conservative for the chamber’s top job.
Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL) wrote on X that he had “two cordial, thoughtful, and productive conversations” with Jordan over the weekend and concluded that he would be able to unite the fractious GOP caucus against President Joe Biden’s agenda. Rep. Rogers was known to Jordan’s allies as one of the most prominent opponents among moderate and establishment GOP lawmakers who are forcefully opposed to his leadership.
“We agreed on the need for Congress to pass a strong NDAA, appropriations to fund our government’s vital functions, and other important legislation like the Farm Bill,” Rep. Rogers wrote. “As a result, I have decided to support Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House on the floor.”
“Since I was first elected to the House, I have always been a team player and supported what the majority of the Republican Conference agrees to. Together, our Republican majority will be stronger to fight Joe Biden’s reckless agenda for America,” he added.”
As Chair of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Rogers has pushed for increased funding for Ukraine at a time when the GOP base has grown restless about the endless stream of money flowing to the nation in its war with Russia. His support for Rep. Jordan, who is opposed to most funding bills for Ukraine, sends a major signal that war-hawk Republicans believe they can work cooperatively with the conservative as Speaker.
Former President Donald Trump previously endorsed Rep. Jordan for Speaker when just last week Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) appeared poised to capture the post. However, Rep. Scalise abruptly exited the nomination process after concluding he would be unable to secure the support of 217 members needed to survive a full vote by the House.
Congress departed for the weekend, giving outside allies of Rep. Jordan the chance to conduct a pressure campaign on holdouts in their home districts. The change of mind by Rep. Rogers indicates that the effort might have pushed Jordan over the top when a vote occurs as early as Tuesday.