These Four Florida Republicans Opposed Jim Jordan Becoming House Speaker

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan failed to receive enough votes on Wednesday to become the next Speaker of the House. It was the second vote held this week with Monday being the first failed attempt. 

Three Florida Republicans voted against Jordan on Tuesday: Rep. Mario Diaz Balart, Rep. Carlos Gimenez, and Rep. John Rutherford. 

On Wednesday, Florida Congressman Vern Buchanan joined the three and opposed Jordan. 

Buchanan explained his vote saying, “I think it’s time to move on.”

They were four among 22 other Republicans who voted for House Speaker candidates other than Jordan. 

Gimenez said that the large quantity of phone calls from voters encouraging him to approve Jordan for speaker has actually confirmed his resolve to oppose Jordan. 

“It’s actually cementing my position even further,” Gimenez said Monday. “Leaders need to be followed. You don’t push somebody there.”

He continued saying that “I know what it takes to be a leader. And I have certainly never coerced people to try to follow me.” 

As a result of his voting against Jordan, a Democrat candidate – Phil Ehr – ended his Senate campaign challenging Florida Sen. Rick Scott and instead decided to run against Gimenez for his House seat. 

Rutherford was one of the Florida Republicans who criticized Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz when he led the charge to successfully oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. 

Local pushback against Rutherford in northeast Florida  – where Rutherford’s district is located – prompted a “major bundler,” according to Florida Politics, to reach out to Duval County School Board member April Carney to gauge her interest in challenging Rutherford in the GOP primary. Carney noted on X that Rutherford’s “constituents would like an explanation” for putting control of the House in “serious jeopardy.” 

Diaz Balart voted for Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise in both rounds. Scalise was the frontrunner to be the House Speaker last week. However, Scalise dropped out of the speaker race after he knew he didn’t have the votes. 

Diaz Balart said that he is voting for “the guy who won the election,” referencing Scalise’s initial nomination as the GOP’s pick for House speaker. 

The next – and third – House Speaker vote is expected Thursday.