By Sam Barron | Thursday, April 23, 2026, 6:37 PM EDT
Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, said Thursday he is considering a run to become the top Republican on the House Armed Services Committee following this year’s midterms.
The three-term congressman would likely face off against fellow Republicans Reps. Rob Wittman of Virginia and Trent Kelly of Mississippi in the contest.
Jackson stated he would not base his decision on recent events such as Virginia’s move to redraw its congressional districts, which could jeopardize Wittman’s seat.
“If I do it, I’m going to do it regardless of any other factors,” Jackson said. “It’s not going to be related to anything else that’s going on or anybody else that’s running.”
Jackson currently chairs the House Armed Services Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee. Both Wittman and Kelly, who also serve as subcommittee chairs, have indicated they intend to run.
Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., the current committee chair, is nearing his term limit but may seek an exception to remain in office.
Jackson noted that both Wittman and Kelly possess greater seniority than himself.
“That’s not the way we operate here in the House, and it’s not the way we operate in the Republican Party,” Jackson said. “Everything isn’t based on seniority.”
“It should be the right person for the job,” he added. “And if I feel like I’m the right person for the job, then I’ll put my name in the hat.”
Jackson emphasized his 25 years of service in the U.S. Navy as a key factor.
The lawmaker is a close ally of President Donald Trump and was previously nominated to serve as Veterans Affairs secretary in 2018 but faced questions about his conduct while working as White House physician.
In 2022, he was demoted from rear admiral to captain by the Navy after retirement following a Pentagon review that found he engaged in “inappropriate conduct” during his time as White House physician.
Jackson dismissed the review and demotion as politically motivated retribution from the Biden administration. The Trump administration later reinstated his rank as a rear admiral.
