Jim Jordan elected leader of House Republicans amid shrinking caucus

Ohio Republican Jim Jordan was elected on Tuesday to serve as the leader of the House Republican conference. The caucus has shrunk to one of its smallest memberships in recent decades following the party's loss of the House majority. Jordan, who previously sought the speakership after Kevin McCarthy's removal, had been blocked by fellow Republicans in that contest.

Jordan, a longtime ally of President Donald Trump, co-founded the House Freedom Caucus and served as its first chairman. He chaired the House Judiciary Committee beginning in January 2023, overseeing investigations into the Biden administration and a subcommittee that examined alleged government pressure on social media platforms.

In 2022, Jordan declined to comply with a subpoena from the committee investigating the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, a decision that drew criticism from Democrats who cited his reported phone contacts with Trump on the day of the attack. He has also faced accusations that, while serving as an assistant wrestling coach at Ohio State University, he was aware of sexual abuse by a team doctor. Jordan has denied knowledge of any abuse and described the claims as politically motivated, while some former coaches and athletes have defended him.

Although Jordan has sponsored few bills, he has co-sponsored more than a thousand and is known for his outspoken presence on the House floor. His policy positions include support for tax cuts, restrictions on abortion, and stricter border enforcement. With the Republican Party now in the minority, Jordan will oversee the party's oversight activities directed at the current administration.