Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) reported receiving death threats in the aftermath of her decision to withdraw her support for Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) on the second ballot for House Speaker on Wednesday.
What Happened: In a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Miller-Meeks stated that she received “credible death threats” and a “barrage of threatening calls.”
Miller-Meeks was one of four Republicans to change their support on Wednesday, having initially voted for Jordan. Citing an aversion to bullies, she instead cast her vote for Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas), praising her “great leadership” as chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee.
"One thing I cannot stomach, or support is a bully," she said.
"I did not stand for bullies before I voted for Chairwoman Granger and when I voted for Speaker designee Jordan, and I will not bend to bullies now."
Miller-Meeks’ office is said to be fully cooperating with relevant authorities, the statement said.
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Miller-Meeks shared that it was “abundantly clear” Jordan lacked the 217 votes required to secure the Speaker position, leading her to support Granger. She also emphasized the GOP’s need for a “consensus candidate” and "stop the insane policies of the Biden administration."
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) also reported anonymous threats against his wife, urging her to influence Bacon’s vote in favor of Jordan.
Why It Matters: In total, six Republicans, including Miller-Meeks, withdrew their support for Jordan during the second vote. The next vote for Speaker is set to take place on Thursday.
The House GOP has been struggling to reach a consensus on its leadership since the historic removal of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) from the Speaker's role two weeks ago. Despite the GOP conference's nomination of Jordan for the Speaker's role last week, it remains uncertain whether he will secure enough support on the House floor to claim the position.
Jordan condemned these threats, stating, “No American should accost another for their beliefs.”
Photo by lev radin on Shutterstock
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