Conservative Rep. Jim Jordan plans to run for House speaker

Ohio Republican Rep. Jim Jordan said he plans to run for House speaker, a move that will spark a contentious leadership battle in the House GOP conference just a few months before the November election.

“We’re running,” Jordan told USA TODAY. “There’s a letter as we speak that’s being sent to our colleagues.”

Jordan’s bid presents a direct challenge to House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., the presumed front-runner to succeed Paul Ryan.