The failed effort of Rep. Jim Jordan to become the next speaker of the US House of Representatives has highlighted the ongoing civil war within the Republican Party. Jordan, who was backed by many members of the conservative section of the party, was initially considered a frontrunner for the position. However, he dropped out of the race soon after, citing his lack of support from within the party.
The heated race showed how the party is split between moderates and conservatives on a host of issues, ranging from taxation and immigration to health care. As the party seeks to fill the role of speaker, it will have to find a leader who can bridge the two sides and help to unify the party.
Jordan’s departure has only made this task more difficult, as the gap between the party’s moderate and conservative factions is growing. Conservatives have argued that the current speaker, Paul Ryan, has failed to push for more conservative policies, while moderates have resisted admitting someone as right wing as Jordan to the role.
Ultimately, Jordan’s resignation has laid bare the underlying issues of the Republican’s civil war. The party must now debate and decide who will lead it in the future and how to move forward without alienating either side.