Who is Jim Jordan?
Jim jordan Formerly a college wrestler coach, Mr Jordan now serves his ninth term as a member of Congress, representing Ohio’s fourth district, which includes the area of north Columbus.
The 59-year-old is the chair of the influential House Judiciary Committee. He also chairs a subcommittee that oversees the “weaponization” of the federal government.
He also co-founded 2015 the House Freedom Caucus, the most right-wing bloc of the Republican Party.
Jordan, a vigorous defender of President Trump, has gained prominence in recent years thanks to the support of his base.
Last week, on Truth Social, Trump supported Mr Jordan for the Speaker’s Race, stating he was “STRONG on Crime, Borders, Our Military/Vets, and 2nd Amendment”.
“He is a great Speaker of the House & has my complete & total endorsement!” Mr Trump wrote.
Mr Jordan shares the views of more moderate party members in many areas. He opposes abortion, supports gun restrictions, and favors stricter immigration policies. He is with the right wing regarding countering additional aid for Ukraine. If he were elected Speaker, he said he would stop any further spending.
What is his reputation?
Mr Jordan’s actions during the Capitol Riot on 6 January 2021 and his links with Mr Trump have attracted the most attention and scrutiny.
He was among the Republican legislators who voted to deny that Mr Biden had won the presidential election 2020. After the riots, Mr Trump gave Mr Jordan the Presidential Medal of Freedom – the highest civilian honor.
Last year, Mr. Jordan declined to answer questions from a House Select Committee investigating the violence that day about his communications with Mr Trump and others like Mark Meadows – Mr Trump’s ex-chief of staff – before the riot.
The bipartisan committee also revealed that Mr. Jordan asked White House staff if Mr Trump would pardon lawmakers who voted to overturn an election.
A year ago, Mr Jordan was a national figure as he was one of the eight House members who defended Mr Trump in his first impeachment hearing.
Before his days as a legislator, Mr Jordan was a sports coach for the Ohio State University. Several student-athletes claimed that they knew of sexual abuse committed by a doctor at OSU but didn’t do anything.
Dr Richard Strauss allegedly abused 177 male athletes in the two decades before his death.
Mr Jordan denied knowing about the abuse.
Why Jim Jordan news is trending
Jim Jordan news: The right-wing Republican Jim Jordan, known for his combative style, failed to win the first vote to become Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday. However, more voices are expected that will wear down his rivals.
Twenty of his Republican colleagues voted against the Ohio lawmaker backed by former president Donald Trump. He received 200 votes but fell short of the required 217 to be elected. All 212 Democrats voted in Hakeem Jeffreys.
For now, the House still needs a leader. This has been true since two weeks ago when a few Republican hardliners forced Kevin McCarthy out of his position as Speaker. Congress can now refrain from acting on wars in the Middle East or Ukraine. The U.S. Government faces another partial shutdown deadline just one month away.
Jordan’s Republican opposition may be unable to hold their ground in the future. McCarthy received over 200 votes every round in the 15 games spanned four days during January.
If Jordan wins, a conservative who has spent many years fighting with the leaders of his party could be in the second most powerful job in Washington. He would then be in the running for the vice-presidential position.
Elise Stefanik, Republican Representative Elise Stefanik, said that Jordan was a patriot and an America First warrior. He won the toughest fights.
The Republicans didn’t nominate a candidate, but his opponents still voted for someone else. Most of them are moderates from districts with high political competition.
Seven Republicans voted in favor of Steve Scalise. Six Republicans voted for McCarthy, the No. 2 House Republican whose bid for Speaker failed last week. Three Republicans voted in favor of Lee Zeldin, who retired as a member of Congress in January. Republican Representatives Tom Cole and Tom Emmer each received one vote.
McCarthy and Scalise voted both for Jordan.
Jordan’s opponents are unhappy with the conservatives’ high-pressure tactics to make them fall in line. Rep. Mario Diaz Balart voted in favor of Scalise and said: “I won’t be intimidated or pressured.”
The Republicans have a 221-212 majority in the House, leaving them very little margin for error regarding votes that could cause divisions.
Jordan was seen in the House after the vote, talking to lawmakers who had voted for him.
If Jordan fails to gain support, new Republican candidates, such as Patrick McHenry, who temporarily occupies the Speaker’s Chair, and No, could emerge. Tom Emmer, the third Republican in the House.
Jordan, the House Freedom Caucus founder and a hard-right politician, was seen for most of his career as a force of division on Capitol Hill. He has fought with both Republicans and Democrats.
His supporters claim he will strongly advocate for Republican spending cuts and other priorities in negotiations with Democratic president Joe Biden and a Senate controlled by Democrats.
Doing Trump’s Bidding
Democrats are repelled by Jordan’s campaign, portraying him as a radical who would follow orders from former president Donald Trump.
Pete Aguilar, a Democratic Representative in the House of Representatives, said that Jordan’s election will show the enemies of the United States that “those who are trying to undermine democracy get rewarded with positions that have immense power.” We’re talking about someone who spent their entire professional career trying to slow down our country.
