Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, is emerging as a potential contender for House speaker should Republicans lose their majority in the November midterm elections and if current Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., steps aside.
Johnson has insisted that the GOP will retain control of the House and plan to remain speaker, but growing internal frustration with his leadership has fueled skepticism among some Republicans.
This has reportedly sparked early behind-the-scenes discussions about potential successors. Jordan, a longtime conservative leader and chair of the House Judiciary Committee, is among those gaining attention as lawmakers quietly assess leadership options.
Others mentioned include Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Majority Whip Tom Emmer.
Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., observed that Jordan has been “working with everybody and traveling the country,” adding that his base of appeal would likely be stronger and broader.
With no current leadership vacancy, some Republicans believe Johnson would be unlikely to remain in charge if the party falls into the minority.
This possibility has prompted members to monitor which figures are building support within the conference.
Jordan has maintained a relatively low public profile in recent GOP disputes, focusing instead on campaigning for vulnerable incumbents and assisting President Donald Trump in consolidating conservative support during key legislative votes.
When asked whether he might consider another leadership bid if Johnson stepped down, Jordan did not rule it out. “I am totally focused on keeping the majority, which I think we’re going to do,” he stated.
Jordan previously sought the speakership in 2023 after then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy was removed but failed to secure enough support on the House floor due to opposition from more moderate Republicans.
However, if Republicans lose their majority, a race for minority leader—often a stepping stone to the speakership—would require only a majority of GOP members, potentially improving Jordan’s chances.
One Republican lawmaker, speaking anonymously, suggested that midterm outcomes could reshape the conference in Jordan’s favor: “His base is in rock-hard GOP districts. The worse the night, the fewer the number of ‘never Jordans’ who come to vote.”
Other Republicans note that Jordan has spent the past two years expanding his support across the conference. “He is working every day to lay the groundwork,” the same lawmaker added.
Former House minority leader Kevin McCarthy, who defeated Jordan for minority leadership in 2018, praised him: “Some people would go and quit if they didn’t win. I watched him go help and elect people who were not good to him, who he had every reason to try to defeat but he didn’t.”
Jordan has denied making any strategic changes ahead of a potential leadership bid, stating: “I’ve always helped our colleagues.”
