House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) is inching closer toward the speaker’s gavel.
On Monday, House Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) announced that he would support Jordan, a significant turnaround after the congressman reportedly said last week that he could not be swayed to back Jordan.
Jordan “and I have had two cordial, thoughtful, and productive conversations over the past two days. We agreed on the need for Congress to pass a strong NDAA [National Defense Authorization Act], appropriations to fund our government’s vital functions, and other important legislation like the Farm Bill,” Rogers said in a post to X.
“As a result, I have decided to support Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House on the floor,” Rogers continued, adding, “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 [President] Joe Biden’s reckless agenda for America.”
Jordan thanked Rogers for his endorsement.
“Your leadership is just what our Conference needs right now,” Jordan added. “We must all keep coming together and get back to work.”
On Friday, Jordan secured the GOP nomination for the Speaker’s gavel, handily beating out Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) for the position. (RELATED: Underdog Candidate Jumps Into Speaker’s Contest)
Punchbowl News co-founder Jake Sherman said Jordan scoring a “massive” endorsement from Rogers indicates that the Ohio Republican could be well on his way to winning the gavel with only GOP votes.
“Mike Rogers’ endorsement brings to the surface a very important dynamic in this speaker race: If Jordan is within striking distance of winning — 10 or so away — it’s his to lose. It will be tough to stand in the way of his speakership then,” Sherman added. “If he’s 30 away, it’s a totally different ballgame.”
Former President Trump also endorsed Jordan to become House Speaker.
The House is expected to vote for speaker as early as Tuesday.
READ NEXT: Judge Agrees To ‘Narrow’ Gag Order In Trump Jan. 6 Case
