'I will not bend to bullies': Iowa GOP rep against Jordan responds to 'credible death threats'

After House Republicans voted against Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan's (R-Ohio) speaker bid for a second time Wednesday, several GOP House members "complained about intimidation tactics employed by Jordan and his allies" — including "credible death threats," The Messenger reports.

In a statement United States Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) posted to X (formerly Twitter) Wednesday, she said, "Today, it became abundantly clear early in the roll call vote, that Jim Jordan still did not have the votes necessary to become Speaker. Given the concerns I had before any vote and the ability of the speaker designee to unify the conference, I voted in support of Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Kay Granger to serve as Speaker of the House. I voted for Chairwoman Granger because she has demonstrated great leadership this year by bringing forth, and passing, fiscally responsible, single-subject appropriations bills and is a staunch conservative."

She continued, "However, since my vote in support of Chairwoman Granger, I have received credible death threats and a barrage of threatening calls. The proper authorities have been notified and my office is cooperating fully.One thing I cannot stomach, or support is a bully. Someone who threatens another with bodily harm or tries to suppress differing opinions undermines opportunity for unity and regard for freedom of speech. That's why I spoke outforcefully against censorship and suppression during the COVID-19 pandemic. 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."

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Also on Wednesday, Granger replied to the bullying via X, writing, "[Majority Leader] Steve Scalise is an honorable man and has earned my vote for Speaker. This was a vote of conscience and I stayed true to my principles. Intimidation and threats will not change my position."

Minutes after Meeks shared her statement, Jordan denounced the threats via X, saying, "No American should accost another for their beliefs. We condemn all threats against our colleagues and it is imperative that we come together. Stop. It's abhorrent."

The Messenger notes U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) said Jordan told him that the Ohio lawmaker "wasn't behind" the threats, and "has asked people to stop" the intimidation.

"But if you've asked people to stop it, why aren't they listening to you?" Gimenez said.

READ MORE: Republicans publicly blast Jim Jordan's 'threats and intimidation'

The Messenger's full report is available at this link.