After losing two rounds of votes to become Speaker of the House, Ohio Representative Jim Jordan has reportedly withdrawn his candidacy and is throwing his support behind a plan to empower Representative Patrick McHenry of North Carolina.

Jordan's decision follows several days of bitter infighting among House Republicans and comes as the party seeks to unify behind a candidate who can garner the support of a majority of its members.

While some hardline conservatives remain opposed to any deal, it appears that McHenry may have the momentum to become Speaker.In place of his own candidacy, Jim Jordan is backing a plan by Representative David Joyce of Ohio to empower Representative Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, who has been serving as Speaker Pro Tempore.

McHenry's power as Speaker Pro Tempore had been considered limited by House rules, but Jordan believes that McHenry's consensus-building ability and good standing with both Republicans and Democrats could make him an effective leader.

Joyce's plan would expand McHenry's authority beyond presiding over the election of a new Speaker, enabling him to make committee assignments and perform other House leadership duties.