Jim Jordan (R-OH) has emerged as a candidate to replace Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) as House Speaker.

The Ohio Republican told reporters Wednesday that he will throw his name in the race.

Jordan, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said it appears he has strong support.

“I think the key is to unite the conference,” Jordan said, according to ABC News.

NBC News reports:

Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, on Wednesday became the first lawmaker to announce a bid for speaker of the House, one day after Kevin McCarthy was ousted from the top job in a historic vote.

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Asked by reporters in the Capitol if he was running, Jordan replied unequivocally: “Yes.”

“We need to unite the conference,” said Jordan, who had just met with Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., a likely rival for speaker, to inform him of his decision.

Jordan said he made his decision after many of his GOP colleagues reached out, urging him to run. A source familiar with Jordan’s thinking said the congressman has repeatedly said that choosing the next speaker “will be a decision for the conference” and now the conference is asking.

Jordan “highly respects Scalise and other candidates running,” the source added.

Matt Gaetz, the Republican who introduced the motion to vacate Kevin McCarthy, announced his support for Jim Jordan as House Speaker.

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