50 Facts About Jim Jordan

Early Life and Education

Jim Jordan's journey began in Ohio, where his upbringing and education laid the foundation for his future career.

1. Jim Jordan was born on February 17, 1964, in Troy, Ohio.
2. Raised in Champaign County, Ohio, by his parents, Shirley and John Jordan.
3. His mother ran a housecleaning business, while his father worked at a General Motors plant.
4. Jordan's upbringing in a hardworking family instilled a competitive edge and commitment to conservative principles.

Wrestling Career

Jordan's wrestling career is a significant part of his early life, showcasing his competitive spirit and dedication.

5. Jordan excelled as a high-school wrestler at Graham High School in St. Paris, Ohio.
6. He posted a remarkable 150-1 record during his high school years.
7. Jordan won four state championships in high school wrestling.
8. Attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he was twice a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I wrestling champion.
9. Competed in the 1988 Olympic wrestling trials but did not make the U.S. team.

Academic Achievements

Jordan's academic background is as impressive as his wrestling career, with degrees in economics, education, and law.

10. Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1986.
11. Earned a master’s in education from The Ohio State University (OSU) in 1991.
12. Obtained a law degree from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, in 2001.

Coaching Career

Before entering politics, Jordan spent time coaching wrestling, which later became a point of controversy.

13. From 1987 to 1995, Jordan coached wrestling at OSU.
14. During his tenure, he was associated with Richard Strauss, the wrestling team physician later found to have committed sexual abuse against 177 student-patients.
15. Several individuals alleged that Jordan knew about Strauss's misconduct but did not report it.
16. Jordan has denied these allegations and refused to cooperate with investigations into Strauss.

Entry into Politics

Jordan's political career began in the mid-90s, leading to his long tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives.

17. In 1994, Jordan was first elected to public office, beginning his three terms in the Ohio House of Representatives.
18. Elected to the Ohio Senate in 2000 and reelected in 2004.
19. In 2005, entered the race for the 4th district seat in the U.S. House of Representatives after Rep. Mike Oxley announced he would not seek reelection.
20. Won the Republican primary and easily defeated his Democratic challenger, taking office in 2007.

House Freedom Caucus

Jordan played a crucial role in founding the House Freedom Caucus, a group known for its conservative stance.

21. Instrumental in the founding of the House Freedom Caucus in 2015.
22. Became the first chair of the House Freedom Caucus.
23. The caucus is known for its aggressive approach to politics and ultra-conservative views.

Positions on Issues

Jordan has been a vocal supporter of various conservative causes throughout his career.

24. Opposed the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
25. Cosponsored legislation to ban same-sex marriage.
26. Opposed vaccine mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leadership Style

Jordan's leadership style is characterized by his combative and resilient nature.

27. Known for his pugnacious and combative nature.
28. Despite setbacks, such as losing bids for the speaker's position, Jordan remains resilient.
29. Reflects the conservative spirit he embodies.

Support for Donald Trump

Jordan's close relationship with former President Donald Trump has been a defining aspect of his political career.

30. A close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
31. Animated in his defense of Trump during the president’s first impeachment trial.
32. Involved in the events leading up to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
33. Former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney accused him of knowing more about Trump's plans than any other member of the House of Representatives.

Sexual Abuse Scandal

The sexual abuse scandal involving OSU’s athletics program has been a significant controversy in Jordan's career.

34. Allegations that Jordan knew of the abuse and did nothing to stop it.
35. Jordan has denied these allegations and described his accusers as "pawns in a political plot".
36. Ohio State University began an independent investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct by Strauss in 2018.
37. The report concluded that Strauss had committed sexual abuse against 177 student-patients, with 153 being student-athletes.

Political Career Milestones

Jordan's political career is marked by several significant milestones and achievements.

38. First elected to Congress in 2006.
39. Chaired the Republican Study Committee from 2011 to 2013.
40. Played a large role in the 16-day federal government shutdown in 2013 to end funding for the ACA.
41. Founded and became the first chair of the House Freedom Caucus in 2015.
42. Lost the House Minority Leader position to Kevin McCarthy by a vote of 159–43 in 2019.

Legislation Sponsored

Jordan has sponsored numerous bills, reflecting his conservative values and legislative priorities.

43. Sponsored the Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act.
44. Introduced the Protect the BALL Act of 2024.
45. Sponsored the DEI DOA Act, terminating the authorities of certain federal entities.

Committee Assignments

Jordan has served on various influential committees throughout his tenure in Congress.

46. Served on the House Judiciary Committee.
47. Participated in the House Oversight Committee.
48. Contributed to the House Education and Labor Committee.

Notable Bills Introduced

Jordan has introduced several notable bills, showcasing his legislative efforts.

49. Introduced HJRes27, providing for congressional disapproval of an EPA rule relating to "New Source Performance Standards for Greenhouse Gas Emissions".
50. Sponsored HR537, awarding a Congressional Gold Medal to 60 diplomats for their bravery and heroism during the Holocaust.

Jim Jordan's Complex Legacy

Jim Jordan's career is a mix of achievements and controversies. From his early days as a wrestling champion to his role as a founding member of the House Freedom Caucus, he's always been a fighter. His strong support for conservative causes, like opposing the Affordable Care Act and backing Donald Trump, has made him a hero to some and a villain to others. However, allegations of ignoring sexual abuse at Ohio State University and his involvement in the events leading up to the Jan. 6 insurrection have cast a shadow over his legacy. Despite these controversies, Jordan remains a significant figure in American politics, known for his relentless pursuit of conservative principles. His story is far from over, and his actions will continue to shape the political landscape for years to come.