Combative right-wing Republican Jim Jordan appeared to be falling short in his bid to serve as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, one of the most powerful posts in Washington, as voting continued on Tuesday.

With voting underway, at least nine Republicans had cast ballots against his bid, likely leaving him short of the 217 votes he would need to win the job. More rounds of voting are expected if he does not prevail on the first vote.

If he prevails, the Ohio lawmaker who has spent years fighting with leaders of his own party could end up in a position that puts him second in line for the presidency.

Republicans who control the chamber nominated Jordan as a replacement for Kevin McCarthy was ousted as speaker by a small group of his fellow Republicans on Oct. 3.

"He is a patriot, an America First warrior who wins the toughest of fights," Republican Representative Elise Stefanik said as she nominated Jordan for speaker on the House floor.