Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) announced he is running for speaker of the House on Thursday, despite his role in allegedly ignoring the sexual abuse of students at Ohio State. Eight of Jordan’s former wrestlers claim he did nothing about numerous allegations of sexual misconduct by Dr. Richard Strauss during his time as an assistant wrestling coach at the university.
Prominent Republicans have stood by Jordan despite the allegations and several are already lining up to cheer on Jordan’s speaker bid:
Mark Meadows
Fresh off of his disastrous attempt to impeach deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, the North Carolina congressman and chairman of the Freedom Caucus was quick to back Jordan, calling him “one of the most principled men I’ve met in Washington.”
Jim Jordan is one of the most principled men I’ve met in Washington. Jim is a fighter, a leader, and a true conservative who always remembers the most critical voice—the voice of the voters—in every decision he makes.
I fully support him for Speaker. @Jim_Jordan
— Mark Meadows (@RepMarkMeadows) July 26, 2018
Matt Gaetz
The Florida congressman who has appeared on Infowars, invited a notorious Holocaust denier to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address and been one of President Donald Trump’s most outspoken supporters went on Fox News to show his support for Jordan.
.@RepMattGaetz on Rep. Jim Jordan announcing run for House speaker https://t.co/HYuosmWy6U #OutnumberedOT pic.twitter.com/IANHMrmE2b
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 26, 2018
Dave Brat
The Virginia congressman who upset House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in a 2014 Republican primary told NBC’s Leigh Ann Caldwell that “of course” he backs Jordan’s bid for House speaker.
In least shocking news of the day, @DaveBratVA7th “of course” backs @Jim_Jordan as speaker
— Leigh Ann Caldwell (@LACaldwellDC) July 26, 2018
Andy Biggs
The Arizona congressman who is very concerned about the imaginary censorship of conservatives also announced his endorsement of Jordan.
.@RepAndyBiggsAZ endorses @Jim_Jordan for Speaker!
Keep 'em coming! #SpeakerJordan #ampFW via https://t.co/bpqcDZi3Ce pic.twitter.com/kJE1Iwh2Az— FreedomWorks (@FreedomWorks) July 26, 2018
Joe Walsh
The former Illinois congressman, who was last seen being embarrassed by Sacha Baron Cohen, declared Jordan a “great friend” and “great Conservative.”
I know Jim Jordan. I served in Congress with Jim Jordan. He's a great patriot. A great friend. A great Conservative. And would make a great Speaker. @Jim_Jordan. https://t.co/NH0ngGQ796
— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) July 26, 2018
Ken Cuccinelli
The president of the Senate Conservatives Fund and former Virginia governor explained his preference for Jordan over House Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) in a statement.
Senate Conservatives Action President Ken Cuccinelli endorses @Jim_Jordan for Speaker, tips @GOPLeader McCarthy as “not a conservative” @SCF pic.twitter.com/lewIzCHufh
— Scott Wong (@scottwongDC) July 26, 2018
Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX), who previously smeared Strauss’ alleged victims as adults who should have known better, also shared news about Jordan’s bid.
House Speaker Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) previously defended Jordan as “a man of honesty and a man of integrity,” but he declined to endorse the Ohio congressman when asked by reporters and said “everybody knows” he supports McCarthy.
.@SpeakerRyan on Jim Jordan running for Speaker of the House: "I’m not going to be here. I support Kevin McCarthy, everybody knows that."
Full video here: https://t.co/VfBrKwwbo0 pic.twitter.com/A420sVDV4y
— CSPAN (@cspan) July 26, 2018
FreedomWorks, a conservative advocacy group, has vowed to spend $500,000 to make sure Jordan is elected the next House speaker.
Over 100 Ohio State alumni have accused Strauss of sexual misconduct. Jordan reportedly met with investigators last week to discuss the scandal that has been compared to Penn State’s enabling of Jerry Sandusky’s child abuse. Jordan has accused Strauss’ alleged victims of lying for personal gain and claimed “the timing is suspect.”