“Vowing to oppose him in future leadership races” Jim Jordan Positions Himself to Replace Mike Johnson as House Republican Leader
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Far-right Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH) is reportedly making behind-the-scenes plans to position himself as the leader of House Republicans, eyeing a potential replacement of current House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) next year, according to a report by Axios on Thursday. Jordan, known for his aggressive stance during congressional hearings and chairing the House Judiciary Committee, has been playing a significant role in the GOP’s faltering efforts to impeach President Joe Biden.
He was also one of the candidates for Speaker when former Representative Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was ousted from that role in 2023. His bid failed after House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) withdrew from contention, and Jordan faced significant resistance from more moderate Republicans, with 25 members refusing to vote for him.
“Many GOP members doubt Johnson will keep the top job, whether or not the party holds the majority. Jordan is a top ally of former President Trump who would help keep the conference full-on MAGA,” reported Juliegrace Brufke and Stephen Neukam. “Jordan privately told colleagues what he would be doing differently than Johnson during the recent fight over foreign aid funding, multiple sources told Axios.”
The Axios report highlighted Jordan’s shift in strategy to gain broader support within the GOP. It noted that he has been “handing out more campaign checks to colleagues,” which marks a reversal from his earlier stance that it was “not his job” to provide financial assistance to embattled members. This change in approach indicates a calculated attempt to build alliances and strengthen his influence among Republican colleagues.
However, Jordan’s maneuvering has not eased the concerns of more moderate Republicans, many of whom believe he is actively undermining Speaker Johnson. According to the report, some members are “vowing to oppose him in future leadership races” due to his perceived sabotage. His previous attempts to secure the Speaker position had sparked anger among moderates who felt he was working against Scalise’s bid for leadership.
Jordan’s ambitions come at a time when House Republicans are struggling to maintain unity within their caucus and defend their slim House majority ahead of the 2024 election. The party is facing significant challenges as it tries to navigate various political issues, including government funding, the border crisis, and internal divisions over the direction of its legislative agenda.
Despite his polarizing reputation, Jordan remains a prominent figure among far-right conservatives. He has built a loyal following through his vocal opposition to the Biden administration and his unwavering support of former President Donald Trump. Jordan’s House Judiciary Committee has played a pivotal role in pushing Republican investigations into the Biden family, the Justice Department, and the FBI.
As Speaker Johnson grapples with maintaining party cohesion, Jordan’s strategic positioning could further complicate efforts to stabilize the House GOP. Johnson, who was elected Speaker after a tumultuous selection process, has focused on reconciling different factions within the party. But Jordan’s behind-the-scenes campaigning indicates that Johnson’s leadership is not universally accepted.
With the 2024 election on the horizon, Republicans face growing pressure to present a unified front. The narrow majority they currently hold in the House could be at risk if intra-party conflicts are not resolved. Jordan’s potential challenge to Johnson could deepen the divide, making it even more challenging for the GOP to navigate contentious issues and maintain control.
Jim Jordan’s ambitions to become the leader of House Republicans reflect ongoing power struggles within the GOP. His efforts to broaden his support base and position himself as an alternative to Mike Johnson could reshape the party’s leadership dynamics and have significant implications for the upcoming election cycle.
