Pass.
I’m sincerely surprised although other politics nerds appear less so. Trump’s easy victories in Ohio in 2016 and especially in 2020 are the most impressive of his short political career, I think. The Buckeye state used to be the ultimate presidential battleground and its Rust Belt neighbors remain among the most important swing states. But OH went full MAGA five years ago and never looked back. Trump beat Hillary Clinton there by eight and then pulled the same margin on Joe Biden even as Biden was en route to winning Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin narrowly. Ohio is Trump country now. So why wouldn’t one of the Trumpiest members of the House want to lunge for Rob Portman’s soon-to-be vacant Senate seat? Trump himself would be happy to campaign there for Jordan, I’m sure, given Jordan’s unquestioning loyalty to him. No thanks, says Jordan. I’m out. How come? A spokesperson for Jordan’s congressional campaign told Fox News that he is “honored by the overwhelming encouragement he has received to run for the United States Senate.” “However, he 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,” the spokesperson said. “Mr. Jordan believes that 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 decision comes after a source familiar told Fox News earlier that Jordan, R-Ohio, was “considering” mounting a Senate bid. The big winner from Jordan’s decision not to run is apparently Ohio state GOP chairwoman Jane Timken, who donated big bucks to Trump’s campaign. She’d be a strong contender to win Trump’s endorsement now that Jordan’s out of the picture, which would make her the favorite in what could be a crowded primary.
