House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, has announced his intention to run for House minority leader, according to two sources speaking to Fox News Digital. This move comes as Republicans face the prospect of losing their narrow majority in the House of Representatives.
The potential leadership battle is shaping up as Republicans regroup after a night of projected Democratic victories that could shift control of the chamber. Jordan has been laying groundwork for a leadership bid for months, campaigning for Republican candidates nationwide and building support within the House GOP.
If successful, the minority leader role would position Jordan as a chief defender of former President Donald Trump against anticipated Democratic investigations and potential impeachment efforts. Jordan's previous experience as the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee has prepared him for such a role.
Jordan previously ran for House speaker in October 2023 after the ousting of then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. That bid ultimately failed, with moderate Republicans citing aggressive tactics by Jordan's allies. However, many of those moderates have since lost their seats, potentially altering the dynamics of the current leadership contest.
Jordan has reportedly been working to reshape his image from a divisive figure to a more unifying leader for the Republican party. His path to minority leader is seen as less challenging than securing the speakership, as it requires only a majority of his party's caucus, rather than a majority of the entire House.
It is not yet clear if current Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., will seek to lead the House Republicans in the minority, though his departure from the leadership is widely anticipated. Jordan is also expected to face a challenge from House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., who has also been active in campaigning for fellow Republicans.