Rogers backs Jordan for Speaker after negotiations on spending – 'I have always been a team player'

Alabama Congressman and Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) has recently withheld one of the most consequential endorsements in the emergency race to elect a new Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives – until today.

Rogers, said last week there was “nothing” that Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) could do to earn his support. His comments, along with an indication he was in negotiations with both parties, highlighted a tactical divide between moderate and Freedom Caucus Republicans.

“Jim 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, appropriations to fund our government’s vital functions, and other important legislation like the Farm Bill,” Rogers said in a statement.

“As a result, I have decided to support Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House on the floor.”

In light of Rep. Rogers endorsement, Jordan is now the likely GOP frontrunner in the process to replace now-ousted Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The first vote will be held in the House on Tuesday.

“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,” Rogers said. “Together, our Republican majority will be stronger to fight Joe Biden’s reckless agenda for America.”

Rogers faced criticism over the weekend from Republicans who were able to vote former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy out of the role.

Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) said “Stick with Republicans Mike.”

“Rep. Mike Rogers’s ruby red district in Alabama is right next to mine,” Greene posted. “His voters will not be happy if he makes a deal with Democrats to elect a Speaker in order to block Jim Jordan,” Greene said.

Rep. Jordan thanked Rogers, saying, “Your leadership is just what our Conference needs right now.”

Thank you, Chairman Rogers. Your leadership is just what our Conference needs right now.

We must all keep coming together and get back to work. https://t.co/vAgSY1yGi3

— Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) October 16, 2023

Rep. Rogers, who has represented Alabama’s third congressional district for 20 years, has accumulated an outsized role in spending and budgetary decisions in the lower chamber. In his statement backing Jordan, he says his support was reached through consensus on timely spending measures that will be taken up once a new Speaker is elected.

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270