Republican Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan will not run for Republican Ohio Sen. Rob Portman’s seat, who announced Monday that he would not seek reelection in 2022.
Jordan “is solely focused on representing the great people of Ohio’s Fourth District, and will not be running to fill the seat of retiring Senator Rob Portman,” a spokesperson for the Republican congressman said to Cleveland.com.
“Mr. Jordan believes at this time he is better suited to represent Ohioans in the House of Representatives, where as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee, he can advance an America first agenda, promote conservative values, and hold big government accountable,” the spokesperson continued.
In this screenshot taken from a congress.gov webcast, Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) speaks during a Senate debate session to ratify the 2020 presidential election at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by congress.gov via Getty Images)
Earlier Thursday, a source familiar with Jordan’s thinking told Fox News that the Ohio Congressman is “considering it.”
Portman announced he will not seek reelection in 2022, becoming the latest GOP senator to say they will not run for another term, leaving the seat open. Jordan was also asked by Fox News’ Laura Ingraham about a possible Senate run Wednesday night, to which he said “we haven’t decided anything.”
“I don’t think any Senate office has been more successful in getting things done, but honestly, it has gotten harder and harder to break through the partisan gridlock and make progress on substantive policy, and that has contributed to my decision,” Portman said in a statement. (RELATED: Sen. Rob Portman Announces He Will Not Run For Reelection In 2022)
Democratic Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan has since said he is “looking seriously” at running for Senate in 2022. (RELATED: REPORT: Jim Jordan Is Considering Ohio Senate Run After Portman’s Retirement)
Portman has not yet said what he plans to do when he leaves office.