Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy floated a plan to GOP members Tuesday night, in which he would return as speaker of the House and make Rep. Jim Jordan an assistant speaker, multiple sources tell ABC News.
Two sources briefed on the plan suggested it would be modeled after the arrangement former speaker Nancy Pelosi had with assistant speaker Katherine Clark.
Details about the plan were scarce.
Since McCarthy and Jordan were both rejected by Republicans for the role previously, some suspect it to be a long shot. Sources believe, though, that the idea could pick up traction if another nominee fails to get the votes.
McCarthy is huddled with aides and allies behind closed doors, sources said. There are still five Republicans running for the post, and Rep. Max Miller asked each of them if they would support McCarthy returning as speaker, sources also said. The candidates were reportedly split, with the conservative members dodging the question.
Earlier today, ABC News asked McCarthy if he would consider returning as speaker. He didn’t rule it out, saying it was up to the conference to decide the path forward.
-ABC’s Rachel Scott, Ben Siegel and Jay O’Brien
