Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson will run for speaker if Jim Jordan falls short of votes

Republican Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson will run for U.S. House speaker if Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan can't get elected Tuesday.

Johnson, who already is in a leadership position as vice chair of the GOP Conference, said he supports Jordan's bid for speaker, but will offer himself for the nomination if Jordan falls short.

"If for some reason Jim isn't able to get the necessary votes, I am prepared to step forward and offer myself as the nominee," Johnson said Monday in an interview with USA Today Network. "I've not made a single call to a member about becoming speaker, but I've been heavily recruited."

The House has been paralyzed without a speaker for three weeks after a small group of rogue Republicans ousted former Speaker Kevin McCarthy of California.

Last week, Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise, the majority leader, was nominated by the Republican Conference to succeed McCarthy, but Scalise dropped out the next day after it became clear he couldn't secure the 217 votes needed to win the gavel.

Beltway news outlets like Punchbowl News and others are including Johnson as someone who may be next up. Johnson represents Louisiana's 4th Congressional District with Shreveport-Bossier as the population hub.

"Some Republicans have floated Rep. Mike Johnson, the vice chair of the conference," Punchbowl New reported Monday. "The 51-year-old Johnson is a serious lawmaker who is well-liked in the conference."

Johnson said Monday that both Scalise and Jordan are "like big brothers to me. They were my mentors in Congress."

But Johnson, who is serving his fourth term after winning election last year without opposition, conceded Jordan's election is uncertain, and his defeat would escalate the chaos in Congress.

If that happens, Johnson said he will step forward. "I've been praying about this, and I really believe the Lord told me to prepare, but wait," he said.

"I believe I could unite everyone," Johnson said. "I have a vision; I know how to build coalitions. "

More: Louisiana loses chance at U.S. House speaker after Steve Scalise withdraws

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1. 

This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Louisiana's Mike Johnson will run for speaker if Jim Jordan falters