Republican Rep. Jim Jordan (Ohio) on Thursday announced his intention to run for speaker of the House to succeed fellow Midwestern Republican Paul Ryan (Wis.).
Jordan is a prominent conservative in Congress, having chaired the House Freedom Caucus from 2015 to 2017, and he emailed Republicans about his plan to run for speaker, The Daily Caller first reported. He said he would be able to "bring real change."
"Should the American people entrust us with the majority again in the 116th Congress, I plan to run for Speaker of the House to bring real change to the House of Representatives," Jordan said.
Jordan is known for his staunch views on limited government—upon which he based his opposition to the congressional spending bill earlier this year—but recently he has faced questions about his past as an assistant wrestling coach. Former wrestlers at the Ohio State University accused Jordan of knowing about sexual abuse perpetrated by Dr. Richard Strauss, who treated athletes during Jordan’s tenure.
Jordan has flatly denied knowledge of abuse, allegations of which which have grown to include over 100 accusers, some of whom have said Jordan turned a blind eye to Strauss’ actions.
"No, everyone can see through that story," Jordan told reporters Thursday. "I've talked to numerous of my colleagues, and they can all see through that story."
Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows (R., N.C.) said he supports Jordan’s run to replace Ryan as speaker. Ryan himself has endorsed the Republican No. 2 in the House, Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (Calif.).
Update: The post was updated to reflect that the Daily Caller was the first publication to report the news of Jordan running for Speaker.