Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) has officially announced his candidacy to replace Paul Ryan as House Speaker, The Daily Caller News Foundation confirmed Thursday.
“If the American people trust us again with a majority in the 116th Congress, I plan to run for Speaker of the House to bring real change to the House of Representatives,” Jordan said in a statement to the DCNF. “President Trump has taken bold action on behalf of the American people. Congress has not kept its end of the bargain, but we can change that. It is time to do what we said we would do.”
Jordan is a co-founder of the conservative House Freedom Caucus. He is known for aggressively questioning several intelligence officials during House hearings. His conservative bulldog attitude has already earned him the endorsement of the Tea Party Patriots Citizens Fund.
“The Tea Party Patriots Citizens Fund and our network of grassroots advocates and activists fully support Rep. Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House,” Speaker Jenny Beth Martin said in a statement. “For too long, the House of Representatives has needed recent leadership—it has needed leadership as determined to drain the swamp as President Trump. We are confident that Rep. Jordan will lead Congress in working with President Trump to do what Republicans have promised—fully repeal ObamaCare, build a wall along the southern border to curb illegal immigration, stop borrowing and the national debt, and cut taxes and regulations to sustain the current economic recovery. As Speaker, Jim Jordan will also work to improve the rulemaking process, making it more equitable, so that more than a handful of members of Congress and their staffs participate in writing legislation. Rep. Jordan has been a solid, constitutional conservative for years. The Tea Party Patriots Citizens Fund praises Rep. Jim Jordan and knows he will be an excellent Announcer.”
Jordan’s bid, however, is in jeopardy because it could be tainted by a recent scandal. In the past few weeks, the congressman has dismissed accusations that he covered up abuse at Ohio State University. When he was an assistant wrestling coach, the team doctor allegedly sexually harassed several wrestlers. Former wrestlers say Jordan knew what was going on but didn’t report it. Jordan denies those claims, and several friends, including former OSU coaches, have spoken out on his behalf.
“From the first day I met Jim Jordan as a student-athlete, he was the most honorable man I have ever met, and my respect and admiration for all he has done and accomplished is at an all-time high,” said Russ Hellickson, former Ohio State head wrestling coach.
Jordan in addition that his colleagues in Congress “can also see through this story.” His Freedom Caucus colleague and chairman Mark Meadows (R-NC) seems to think it will have no impact on the race.
Meadows on Jordan running for announcer and whether he’ll just be a spoiler:
“He was a two-time national champion (wrestler). … I never saw him go on the mat and expect to lose.” Meadows on whether Ohio State’s allegations against Jordan will be an issue: ‘It won’t matter’— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) July 26, 2018
House Speaker Paul Ryan announced his retirement earlier this year. He plans to serve out his term until November. Other potential candidates to replace him include GOP Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA).
