Daily Mail reported that Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, a close ally of Trump, is actively positioning himself within the political landscape through private lunches and campaign stops, with significant financial backing indicated by a potential $10 million support.
Louisiana Republican Mike Johnson climbed four spots to secure the top position in the House. Despite this achievement, many detractors are uncertain if he will last through the next conference. Johnson's announcement on May 8 signaled his intention to lead the House GOP into the future.
Jim Jordan, whose influence grew alongside Donald Trump's administration, previously ran for Speaker but was blocked by a faction of House Republicans. He gained support from 22 House Republicans on the second ballot, though he did not publicly endorse Majority Leader Steve Scalise when Scalise was the initial nominee for House GOP Speaker. Despite losing the bid to Johnson, Jordan's outreach efforts have continued unabated.
Jordan has sought to reconcile with some of his moderate detractors, participating in fundraisers and town hall meetings to bolster his influence. His team remains tight-lipped about his long-term ambitions, with spokesman Russell Dye emphasizing Jordan's commitment to his Judiciary Committee role and support for Johnson.
Nonetheless, Jordan's actions have raised eyebrows. “I don't remember this level of outreach from him before,” noted one GOP member, suggesting that Jordan’s moves could lay the groundwork for a future leadership bid.
Jordan has offered campaign assistance beyond his usual allies, surprising some with the extent of his outreach. He has raised nearly $10 million and distributed over $200,000 to various Republican campaigns, supporting 34 members through fundraisers and town halls since late last year.
One surprising collaboration was with Rep. Don Bacon, who previously opposed Jordan’s speaker bid. Jordan also supported Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Rep. Tony Gonzales despite their previous opposition or conservative challenges.
These moves have led to mixed reactions, with some GOP members appreciating Jordan’s support and others remaining wary of his leadership aspirations. Rep. Darrell Issa acknowledged Jordan’s efforts but offered conditional support, noting he would back Jordan if he pursued a leadership position.
Jordan’s outreach has largely avoided extreme conservatives, focusing instead on a broad base. Despite these efforts, he still faces significant challenges if Republicans retain the House majority. Several members caution against frequent leadership changes, warning of potential destabilization.
Some GOP members believe Jordan might have a better chance if the GOP loses its majority. According to a senior GOP aide, members most opposed to Jordan are likely to lose reelection, possibly paving the way for his leadership bid.
Jordan continues to work on personal and political levels to win over those who opposed him last October. However, the perception of his divisive nature, akin to figures like Matt Gaetz, persists among some members.
Rep. Drew Ferguson, who faced death threats for opposing Jordan, praised Jordan’s current support of Johnson, signaling a potential shift in dynamics. Nevertheless, other members emphasize caution, likening the constant jostling for positions to organizational instability.
Jim Jordan's ongoing efforts to engage with various factions within the Republican Party, including reaching out to former critics, highlight his strategic moves to possibly secure a leadership position in the future. As Speaker Mike Johnson works to strengthen his role, Jordan is subtly enhancing his influence within the GOP, signaling potential shifts in leadership dynamics.
