After U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was ejected from his position as speaker earlier this week, several names have surfaced as possible replacements.
One of the most prominent candidates is House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH), who has a reputation as a stalwart conservative and has expressed interest in the leadership post.
He has also picked up some important endorsements ahead of an eventual vote, including from the front-runner in the 2024 GOP presidential primary race.
Former President Donald Trump, who declared earlier this week that he would do “whatever is necessary” to help install an appropriate speaker and announced plans to possibly visit Capitol Hill as part of the selection process, offered a glowing recommendation of Jordan.
In a social media statement on Thursday, he wrote that the Ohio Republican “has been a STAR long before making his successful journey to Washington, D.C.,” citing Jordan’s accomplishments as a wrestler as a political benefit.
“So much is learned from sports, and Jim was a master!” Trump added. “While attending Graham High School, he won State Championships all four years, a rarity, and compiled an amazing 156-1 record. At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Jim became a two-time NCAA Division I Wrestling Champion. He won his 1985-86 NCAA Championship Matches in his weight class.”
Trump also lauded Jordan for his academic achievements, family commitments, and strong positions on issues including crime, immigration, gun rights, and the military.
“Respected by all, he is now Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee,” Trump wrote. “As President, I had the honor of presenting Jim with our Country’s highest civilian award, The Presidential Medal of Freedom.”
While House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) is widely seen as the natural choice to replace McCarthy, a number of conservatives in the GOP are joining Trump in publicly endorsing Jordan.
Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) referenced Trump’s endorsement in a social media post on Thursday that also included his own statement of support.
Just had a great conversation with President Trump about the Speaker’s race.
He is endorsing Jim Jordan, and I believe Congress should listen to the leader of our party.
I fully support Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House.
— Congressman Troy E. Nehls (@RepTroyNehls) October 6, 2023
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner (R-OH) is another Jordan supporter and issued a statement praising his “leadership, skills, professionalism, and the fact that he will be able to unite our conference.”
