Former Republican Congressman Says Trump Ally Jim Jordan Would Be 'Worst Pick' For House Speaker: 'His Whole Goal...Is To Destroy The Democrats'

Former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) said Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) would be "the worst pick for the Speaker of the House" as the latter announced his intention to run for the position.

What Happened: Jordan on Wednesday, a day after McCarthy was ousted, declared his intentions to run for the speakership following the historic ousting of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).

In a letter to GOP members, which he also shared with the media, Jordan wrote, “We are at a critical crossroads in our nation’s history. Now is the time for our Republican conference to come together to keep our promises to Americans. I respectfully ask for your support for Speaker of the House of Representatives.”

Reacting to Jordan’s announcement, former Republican Congressman Kinzinger told CNN, “I think Jim Jordan frankly would be the worst pick for speaker of the House GOP”

“This is a guy that basically has made it clear that his whole goal isn't to govern, it's not to legislate; it's to destroy the Democrats,” he added.

Why It Matters: Following McCarthy's departure, initial speculation had focused on Jordan and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) as potential successors. However, other contenders, such as Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.), are emerging, as reported by CNN.

Former president Donald Trump on Wednesday also shared a photo of himself holding the gavel of the U.S. House of Representatives, igniting conversations about his possible future as the speaker.

All speaker candidates are scheduled to present their cases to the Republicans on Tuesday, potentially leading to a vote on Wednesday. With a 9-vote majority, the new speaker will need almost unanimous support from the party.

Jordan is a staunch Trump supporter. He recently rushed to defend Trump‘s former advisor and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, after his Saudi connections were being scrutinized during Joe Biden‘s impeachment hearing.

Photo via Shutterstock

Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs