Jim Jordan to run for House Minority Leader as House Speaker Mike Johnson steps back

The report on Johnson stepping aside comes from Fox News Digital, who said that they learned of this internal announcement shortly after hearing who would be putting his name in the running, Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan.

In a letter Jordan said “I am running to serve as Republican Leader in the 120th Congress.” He laid out his reasons, which include the Democrat victory in Tuesday’s midterm elections and to go on offense by prioritizing “Republican policies” to make “Americans neighborhoods safer,” helping them keep “more money in their pockets,” and to “protect enduring American values and freedoms.”

“This is a staggering day for our Conference,” Jordan’s letter began. “We are all losing colleagues and friends who’ve been valuable members of our Conference and leaders in our party. As we look to the future, we must learn from these results.

“In times like these, I’m reminded of the resilience and optimism of the American people. When Americans get knocked down, they pick themselves up and get back to work.

“Now our Conference must do the same.

“In these next two years, our job cannot be merely to spotlight how radical this new Democrat party is—offense, not defense, wins elections. Republican policies prioritize making Americans’ neighborhoods safer, keeping more money in their pockets, and protecting enduring American values and freedoms. To restore our majority, we must restore voters’ faith in our ability to deliver on these principles.

“That is why I am running to serve as Republican Leader in the 120th Congress.

“For too long, we have operated without a clear plan to survive the hour or the day in front of us. That will not cut it against an emboldened and energetic Democrat majority.

“We can expect Democrat legislation to wreak havoc on every sector of our economy and transform time-tested American institutions. Meanwhile, Democrats have already signaled their true intentions. Each Democrat-led committee will turn their full attention to investigating every facet of the Administration and private entities across the country.”

Then Jordan turned to his own qualifications for the role. During the tumultuous time of McCarthy’s ouster, Jordan was briefly considered as a candidate for Speaker, but the mantle of that office eventually fell to Louisiana’s Rep. Johnson.

“I am battle-tested on the oversight from and I know the Democrats' playbook,” Jordan said. "I know what it will take to lead our Conference in the minority, to stay unified, and to coordinate and calibrate our response to the Democrats' tactics. We need a Leadership team that is active and engaged, forward-thinking and straight-shooting.

"Communication will be key—both among our Conference and with the American people. We need close coordination in an open, honest and regular manner. To our constituents, we must present clear alternatives to the progressive policies of the Democrats. Direct communication with the American people will be our greatest tool, and I will be a relentless voice for our entire Conference.

"There is far more that unites us as Republicans than divides us," Jordan said in conclusion. "We all believe America is worth fighting for. We are optimistic that America's best days are ahead and that through God's grace, we can overcome any obstacle. With your help, I will use every minute of the next two years to advance our Republican priorities and restore our majority.

"Our task will not be easy. But nothing of significance eve is. It is in this spirit I ask for your support for Republican Leader."