New Jersey’s three-man Republican House delegation is going in different directions (for now).
On Friday morning, Tom Kean Jr. (R, NJ-07) changed his support to Kevin McCarthy for the third round of voting after supporting Jim Jordan of Ohio in the previous round of voting. Kean voted for Jordan in the 2nd round.
“For the past nearly three weeks, my number one priority has always been getting Congress moving again to do the work of the American people. With great respect, it has become evident that Chairman Jordan does not and will not have the votes to become Speaker,” Kean explained in a statement. “It is clear we need a Conservative leader to helm the conference in this crucial time. Therefore, for the good of our country, my district, and this institution, I will cast my next vote for Kevin McCarthy.”
As of 11:52 a.m., 25 Republicans had voted against Jordan, more than the 214 he needed to secure the gavel. It’s usually 217 but some members were absent heading into the weekend.
Kean, a former state senator and son of a former governor, is a freshman representing New Jersey’s only true “swing” district located in Central New Jersey.
TOM KEAN goes for MCCARTHY
NEW VOTE against Jordan
15 against Jordan
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) October 20, 2023
