Steve Scalise Named Republican House Speaker Nominee, Beats Donald Trump-Backed Jim Jordan

Republicans finally have their House Speaker nominee as Steve Scalise edges out Jim Jordan, who was backed by Donald Trump. However, it does not seem that all Republicans are supporting him to replace the deposed Keven McCarthy, who himself faced opposition from other Republicans, particularly the far right. Scalise may also find resistance from his so-called allies from the far right.

Scalise is the current No. 2 Republican and he edged out Jim Jordan for the nomination via a secret ballot vote. However, as the vote now goes to the House floor itself, the vote was delayed as the Louisiana Republican does not seem to have enough votes to be the next House Speaker.

Originally, the House Speaker vote was scheduled for 3:00 PM ET on Wednesday but the hour came and went without any speakership vote because of even more Republican infighting as Jim Jordan's backers, particularly those more loyal to Donald Trump, continue to refuse to support Scalise.

This division could spell some big trouble for Steve Scalise, as Reuters pointed out. House Republicans could only afford a few defections. They only have a narrow 221-212 majority and Democrats, much like during the McCarthy ouster, are more expected to vote for their own rather than vote for any Republican.

Acting Speaker Patrick McHenry told reporters that voting could happen "as early as today." However, the Republican cracks are showing, with many of the Pro-Jordan faction saying it is not over yet. Currently, 113 House Republicans are siding with Scalise, and 99 are siding with Jordan, who had been backed by Trump.

"We're working hard to get unified. We need to get unified because the world is not waiting," admitted Steve Scalise. "Obviously we still have work to do."

Who Is for Steve Scalise and Who Is for Jim Jordan as the Next House Speaker?

While Scalise has a big lead over the Trump-backed Jordan, there are still some holdouts that are still supporting the embattled Ohio Republican.

As for those supporting Scalise, these include the more moderate Republicans such as Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida and deposed former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Surprisingly, Matt Gaetz is also supporting Scalise as is Jim Jordan himself. The Ohio Republican is expected to give a nomination speech urging his supporters to vote for Scalise instead.

However, pro-Jordan holdouts include the more far-right Republicans such as Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene, as well as Max Miller.

Marjorie Taylor Greene Vowed Not To Support Steve Scalise Because of His Cancer

Before getting the Republican nomination as House Speaker, Steve Scalise was battling multiple myeloma, a treatable form of blood cancer. He took a break from Congress to battle the disease and is recovering.

However, this is also the reason why Marjorie Taylor Greene is not supporting the Louisiana congressman.

"I like Steve Scalise, and I like him so much that I want to see him defeat cancer more than sacrifice his health in the most difficult position in Congress," said the infamous MAGA Republican.

She explained further, "I lost my father to cancer and it's a very serious battle... We need a Speaker who is able to put their full efforts into defeating the communist democrats and save America."

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Steve Scalise wins Republican nomination for House speaker - CBS News