Representative Jim Jordan's recent remarks came after House Republicans selected him in a secret ballot vote of 106–73 to lead the minority in the lower chamber, a role he will assume beginning in January.
“We've got to use the majority while we have a chance before the Democrats spend all the next Congress going after Republicans,” Jordan stated in his first interview following his election.
The Ohio lawmaker's victory follows significant midterm losses for the Republican Party, which led to House Speaker Mike Johnson stepping down from his leadership position. Concurrently, Senator John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, was re-elected on Tuesday to continue leading the Republican minority in the Senate.
Jordan, a veteran of two decades in the House, is widely anticipated to be a primary defender of former President Trump in Congress as Democrats reportedly prepare investigations targeting his Cabinet, family, and business interests.
Jordan also predicted that Democrats would direct their investigative efforts toward individuals they believe will emerge as the Republican presidential nominee in 2028, identifying Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential targets.
“For the Democrats, it's all about politics and going after their political opponents,” he asserted.
He added, “And we are committed, as House Republicans — pushing back and giving the facts and the truth to the American people.”
Focus on Legislative Action During Lame-Duck Session
Jordan affirmed his commitment to ensuring Republicans are present for key votes during the upcoming lame-duck session. The party aims to advance as much legislation as possible before any potential shift in congressional control to Democrats.
He criticized 11 Democratic House colleagues who were absent during a recent vote related to efforts to impeach Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
“We’re going to work on making sure everyone is here, unlike the Democrats last night — we beat them on that vote because we have people here,” the Ohio congressman said. “We're going to be doing that because we've got important things we need to try to get done in this lame-duck session while we still have the majority.”
Countering Perceived "Lawfare"
Jordan emphasized that House Republicans would advocate for the American people and resist what he characterized as Democratic “lawfare.”
“They are going to do all this crazy lawfare stuff and these crazy investigations,” he stated. “We're going to be fighting for American families.”
