Several Republican lawmakers have reported receiving death threats after they voted against Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House. Representatives Drew Ferguson of Georgia and Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa disclosed that they faced threats after withdrawing their support for Jordan during the second Speaker vote on Wednesday. Miller-Meeks revealed that her office received a barrage of threatening calls, including what she deemed “credible death threats.” Additionally, Representatives Don Bacon of Omaha and Nick LaLota of New York also reported threats. This concerning situation has unfolded following Jordan’s unsuccessful bid for the Speaker’s gavel, leaving the House leaderless for over two weeks since conservatives pushed to remove Kevin McCarthy.
The recent Speaker of the House election saw several Republican lawmakers deviating from their party’s traditional voting patterns. Congressman Jim Jordan, a prominent conservative figure, sought the position, but his candidacy was met with resistance from a faction of Republicans. A number of legislators, including Representatives Drew Ferguson, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Don Bacon, and Nick LaLota, chose to vote against Jordan during the second Speaker election.
The decision of these lawmakers to vote against Jordan unleashed a wave of threats and harassment targeting them and their offices. Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks particularly highlighted the seriousness of the threats, describing them as “credible death threats.” Her office reportedly received numerous threatening calls, leading to heightened security measures. Such incidents have raised concerns about the security and safety of elected officials.
The situation has been further compounded by the fact that Jim Jordan’s bid for Speaker of the House faced two consecutive defeats, leaving the House without a clear leader. The previous Speaker, Kevin McCarthy, was removed from his position more than two weeks ago due to the actions of conservative members of the Republican Party, creating a leadership vacuum.
In response to the reported threats against lawmakers, concerns about the security and safety of elected officials have gained prominence. Accountability for those making death threats and engaging in harassment is also being pursued. Law enforcement agencies and Capitol security are expected to investigate these incidents and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of lawmakers and their staff.
The reported death threats targeting Republican lawmakers who voted against Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House have drawn attention to the challenges and security concerns that elected officials face in the current political climate. The absence of a House Speaker has further intensified the situation, emphasizing the need for swift action to address security threats and ensure the safety of legislators as they continue to perform their duties in the nation’s capital.
