Overview
James Daniel “Jim” Jordan is a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing Ohio’s 4th Congressional District. He first took office in January 2007. During the 119th Congress (2025–2026), he chairs the House Judiciary Committee and serves on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. He is a founding member and former first chair of the House Freedom Caucus, formed in 2015.
On November 10, 2026, House Republicans chose Jordan to lead their conference when the 120th Congress convenes in January 2027. That internal party election did not make him Speaker of the House, and he has not yet assumed the new leadership role. Sources 1–3.
Education and political career
Jordan was raised in Champaign County, Ohio. He earned an undergraduate economics degree from the University of Wisconsin, an education master's degree from Ohio State University and a law degree from Capital University. Before entering Congress, he served in the Ohio legislature. In the House he chaired the Republican Study Committee during the 112th Congress and helped establish the House Freedom Caucus during the 114th Congress. His official congressional biography describes his policy positions as fiscally conservative and emphasizes taxes, spending and federal oversight. Sources 2–3.
Congressional actions and oversight record
2021 electoral-count objections
The January 6–7, 2021 Congressional Record lists Jordan among House members voting to sustain objections to Arizona's electoral votes and among the House members signing the objection to Pennsylvania's electoral votes. Both objections were rejected; Congress certified Joe Biden's 2020 Electoral College victory. These are documented legislative votes and signatures, not evidence of any separate criminal offense. Source 4.
House committee work
Jordan chaired the House Judiciary Committee during the 118th and 119th Congresses and chaired the 118th Congress's Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government. That subcommittee examined allegations about federal agencies and political activity; the existence of hearings or allegations is not itself a finding that wrongdoing occurred. Sources 2, 5.
2023 Speaker election
After Kevin McCarthy was removed as Speaker in October 2023, Jordan became the Republican nominee and received 200, 199 and 194 votes on three successive House floor ballots. He did not secure the required majority; Mike Johnson was subsequently elected Speaker. Source 6.
November 10, 2026: House Republican leadership
House Republicans elected Jordan over Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana by a 106–73 secret-ballot vote to serve as their minority leader in the incoming 120th Congress. Current Speaker Mike Johnson did not seek the position. Reporting on Jordan's candidacy described his emphasis on committee oversight experience and opposing incoming Democratic investigations of the Trump administration. Source 1.
The minority leader helps organize the minority party's positions and legislative strategy. This conference result does not select the next House Speaker or transfer control of House committees before the new Congress convenes. Follow the dated leadership event on Course Correction.
Related Encyclopedia entries and civic guides
Original sources and reporting
- Associated Press, November 10, 2026 — House Republican leadership vote
- Clerk of the U.S. House — Jim Jordan, Ohio 4th District and committee assignments
- Official congressional biography — education, career and House Freedom Caucus
- Congressional Record, January 6–7, 2021 — electoral-count objection and House roll calls
- House Judiciary Committee — 118th Congress select subcommittee membership
- Congressional Research Service — historical Speaker election ballots, October 2023
Inclusion describes documented public offices, votes, committee work and political activity. It does not establish intent, unlawful conduct or coordination beyond the cited sources.