The Trump-favored opponent of Ukraine aid is the leading contender for the position of Speaker of the United States House of Representatives

Republicans in the United States House of Representatives have selected Jim Jordan as their candidate for the role of Speaker of the lower house of Congress.

Jordan, a 59-year-old, is known for enjoying the favor of former U.S. President Donald Trump. He played a prominent role in initiating investigations into the activities of the Biden family and their alleged receipt of bribes from foreign companies during Joe Biden’s time as Vice President.

Jordan was one of the first to publicly express Trump’s interest in running for the U.S. presidency. He has consistently voted against increasing military aid to Ukraine, asserting to journalists that “the main concern on the minds of Americans is not Ukraine but the situation on our borders and street crime, and everyone understands that.”

On October 3rd, the House of Representatives voted for the resignation of Republican Kevin McCarthy from the position of Speaker. Republican Patrick McHenry from North Carolina was appointed as the interim Speaker. Until the House of Representatives elects a Speaker, it cannot engage in budget negotiations or pass legislation, including those related to assistance to Ukraine.

Previously, the Republican majority in the House of Representatives had nominated Steve Scalise for the position of Speaker. Scalise, aged 58, rose to prominence following a closed-door meeting of the Republican Party. His candidacy garnered immediate support from 113 lawmakers out of 221, while his opponent, Jim Jordan from Ohio, received support from 99 individuals.

Jim Jordan, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, did not withdraw his candidacy after losing the internal vote.

“Congressman Jim Jordan was a star long before he made a very successful trip to Washington, representing Ohio’s 4th Congressional District. He will make a great Speaker of the House, and I fully and completely endorse him!” wrote Mr. Trump on his social media platform Truth Social.

Jim received fewer votes from fellow party members who control the House of Representatives, whereas his potential successor, Kevin McCarthy, faced serious illness. In August, Scalise was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer. Scalise assured that his condition was “highly treatable.” This is not the first time Scalise has faced health problems. He was previously on the brink of death in June 2017 when he came under fire from a left-wing extremist who was targeting congressmen during a baseball game.

On Thursday, Scalise withdrew his candidacy for the position, allegedly fearing that he might not secure the required number of votes in the official vote.