Jim Jordan Falls Short Again in Speaker Vote as Republicans Weigh Alternatives

WASHINGTON—GOP Rep. Jim Jordan failed again Wednesday to win enough votes to be elected House speaker, as divisions hardened for House Republicans, with some lawmakers pursuing new paths to break the impasse that has paralyzed the chamber.

More than two weeks after former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R., Calif.) was ousted, Republicans remained gripped in a fierce internal struggle over his successor. Jordan said he would keep up his campaign, but the timing of any vote was uncertain as mounting GOP defections in Jordan’s second vote left Republicans snarled in warring factions over what should happen next.

“This is not about any one perfect person,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R., Pa.), a centrist who backed Jordan. “I just want the lights on so we’re a functioning branch of government.”

The chamber’s operations have ground to a halt with no elected speaker. The House can’t take any steps to provide additional aid to Israel or Ukraine, fueling frustration among lawmakers over the stalemate. Congress also faces a crucial deadline next month, when the federal government’s current funding runs out.