Republicans Fail to Elect House Speaker on First Ballot as 20 Reject Trump-Backed Jim Jordan

Republicans rejected Rep. Jim Jordan for House speaker on the first ballot, with 20 holdouts denying him the majority needed. More votes postponed.

Jordan is seen as too extreme by some Republicans to be House speaker, but has Trump's backing. Hopes to gain more votes.

With Republicans unable to elect a speaker, Congress faces risks of shutdown and inability to address key issues.

Jordan was nominated by Trump ally Rep. Stefanik, who called him "We the people's speaker". Jeffries warned against an "election denier".

Jordan faces questions about his role around the Jan 6 Capitol attack and his time as a college wrestling coach amid abuse allegations.