In the Republican Party headquarters of Mahoning County, Ohio, a sign that had been gathering dust for years was recently brought back into the limelight.
The sign, which reads, "Welcome future Speaker of House Jim Jordan," was stenciled by Donald Skowron, a retired Youngstown police officer, back in 2015. It was dusted off and put on display when Jordan visited the headquarters for a campaign visit ahead of this year's election.
According to ABC News, Jordan, however, did not acknowledge the sign during his visit. Instead, he focused his remarks on the candidates in Ohio's most competitive races that could determine control of the House and Senate. Despite his silence on the matter, Jordan's leadership ambitions have been evident as he embarks on a multi-state tour aimed at bolstering House Republican candidates.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Jordan denied running for any leadership position. He stated his primary aim is to help maintain Republican control and lead the House Judiciary Committee for another two years. "Im focused," Jordan said, quickly shifting gears. Were going to win, and Mike Johnson is going to be speaker and President Trump is going to be in the White House, he added.
Despite his denial, the 60-year-old's actions leading up to Election Day suggest otherwise. Jordan has been acting less like a committee chairman and more like an informal member of the House Republican leadership team. His activities have been interpreted by many as a shadow race to become the GOP leader, especially if the party loses its majority and seeks a fresh start.
Jordan has been active in his home state of Ohio, which hosts two of the most competitive House races in the country. He has also appeared with incumbents and candidates in Colorado, Arkansas, Missouri, and Michigan. Rep. Michael Rulli, R-Ohio, who accompanied Jordan on his state-wide tour, said Jordan has been working around the clock.
Republican candidate Kevin Coughlin, who is running in a tight race for Ohios 13th District, sees Jordan as an informal member of the leadership team. Theres no question about that, that hes part of decision making, Coughlin told the AP.
Jordan, once an outsider disliked by Republican leaders, has evolved into a party asset. This transformation has occurred amid a broader shift in the GOP, first under the Tea Party and now in the age of Trump. Coughlin, who has known Jordan since their time in the Ohio Statehouse, said Jordan has figured out how to walk the balance between principle and effectiveness.
Jordan's combative style on Capitol Hill has made him a beloved figure within the GOP base. His popularity has led Republicans across the country, regardless of the competitiveness of their races, to seek his company. They value the enthusiasm he brings and the fundraising boost he generates with conservative donors.
In the last month alone, Jordan contributed $1.5 million to the National Republican Congressional Committee, the campaign arm for GOP races. This brings his total contribution this cycle to $2.5 million, one of the largest sums hes given since arriving in Washington in 2007. A Republican aide said Jordans cash flow came at a crucial time as the party had been struggling to compete with Democrats fundraising numbers.
However, Jordan's campaign activities are overshadowed by Speaker Johnson, who has been tirelessly campaigning across the country. Johnson has raised more than $26 million for the NRCC since securing the gavel a year ago. His future in leadership is far from assured, but he has a powerful ally in Trump. Should Republicans win the majority, his chances of gaining the gavel would be significantly strengthened.
Despite his popularity, Jordan's potential campaign for a leadership role faces a major hurdle: Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise, the House majority leader. Scalise is also well-liked among colleagues and has been a fundraising powerhouse for House Republicans. In the last few months alone, Scalise has raised $15.2 million for NRCC, bringing his total raised this cycle to a little more than $55 million.
Jordan, for now, is building bridges and allies within the party, demonstrating that his political skillset extends beyond being a firebrand and showing loyalty to Trump. I learned a long time ago that winning beats losing. So, were trying to win. And were trying to help everybody, Jordan told the AP.
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