Jim Jordan Biography
Jim Jordan is an American Republican politician and former wrestling coach representing Ohio’s 4th Congressional District. He entered the U.S. House in January 2007 and currently chairs the House Judiciary Committee. His career combines competitive athletics, state politics, congressional oversight, and conservative organizing.
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Born in Troy, Ohio, Jordan grew up in nearby Champaign County. He became a successful high school wrestler before attending the University of Wisconsin. There, he won two NCAA wrestling championships while studying economics. Later, he earned graduate qualifications in education and law.
Jordan began his elected career in the Ohio House of Representatives. He subsequently served in the Ohio Senate before winning a congressional seat. In Washington, he helped establish the House Freedom Caucus and became its first chairman. He also developed a close political alliance with President Donald Trump.
His national profile grew through committee hearings and his unsuccessful 2023 campaign for House speaker. However, November 2026 brings a different leadership development. House Republicans selected him to lead their conference in the next Congress. The decision follows his latest reelection and places him at the center of the party’s coming transition.
Jim Jordan Age | Birthday: How Old is the Ohio Congressman?
Jim Jordan is 62 years old as of 2026. He was born on February 17, 1964, in Troy, Ohio, United States. The Republican congressman celebrates his birthday every February and will turn 63 in 2027.
Jordan began his political career at age 31, joining the Ohio House of Representatives in 1995. Furthermore, he entered the U.S. Congress in 2007, aged 42. His decades of political experience have established him as an influential Republican leader.
Jim Jordan Height: How Tall is Jim Jordan?
Jim Jordan’s exact height remains unconfirmed as of 2026. Various online biographies provide different estimates, but official congressional records do not specify his height.
Furthermore, the Ohio Republican congressman has never publicly confirmed his height in feet or centimeters. Jordan previously enjoyed a successful wrestling career, winning two NCAA Division I wrestling championships at the University of Wisconsin. His athletic background remains a notable part of his biography and political career.
Jim Jordan Education
Jim Jordan attended Graham High School in Ohio, graduating in 1982. He subsequently earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1986.
Additionally, Jordan obtained a Master’s degree in Education from Ohio State University in 1991. He later earned a Juris Doctor (JD) from Capital University Law School in 2001. Furthermore, his college years included two NCAA wrestling championships, strengthening his athletic achievements before politics.
Jim Jordan Young: Early Life & Childhood
Jim Jordan was born on February 17, 1964, in Troy, Ohio, to John and Shirley Jordan. He grew up in Champaign County, Ohio, alongside his younger brother, Jeff Jordan. During his childhood, Jordan developed a strong passion for wrestling under his father’s guidance. He attended Graham High School, where he won four consecutive Ohio state wrestling championships. Furthermore, his athletic achievements earned him opportunities to pursue collegiate wrestling at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Jim Jordan Religion
Jim Jordan is a Christian who identifies with Protestant Christianity. The Ohio Republican congressman has attended Grace Bible Church, an evangelical congregation near Urbana, Ohio. Furthermore, his Christian faith influences his conservative political positions, particularly regarding abortion, marriage, and religious freedom. Jordan advocates protecting religious liberty and traditional family values through legislation. Additionally, he has participated in faith-based political events and supported religious organizations. His religious affiliation reflects his longstanding evangelical Christian beliefs, although public records do not identify a specific Protestant denomination.
Jim Jordan Family: Parents & Siblings
Jim Jordan was born to John Jordan and Shirley Ann Bishop Jordan in Troy, Ohio. His father worked at Frigidaire and General Motors, while his mother operated a housecleaning business. Furthermore, John Jordan coached Jim and his younger brother, Jeff Jordan, in wrestling, shaping their athletic careers. Jeff later became a wrestling coach at Graham High School. Jordan grew up in St. Paris, Ohio, alongside his siblings. Reports also identify another younger sibling, although public information remains limited. Additionally, his family’s strong wrestling tradition influenced his upbringing. Their encouragement helped him become a successful collegiate wrestler before entering American politics.
Jim Jordan Wife | Polly Jordan
Jim Jordan is married to Polly Jordan (née Stickley), his childhood sweetheart and a former art teacher. The couple met during childhood in Ohio through Polly’s brothers, who wrestled alongside Jim. Furthermore, they began dating when Jim was 13 and Polly was 14. Jim and Polly married in 1985, during his college wrestling career at the University of Wisconsin. Together, they have four children: Rachel, Ben, Jessie, and Isaac Jordan. Additionally, the couple has eight grandchildren, according to Jordan’s campaign biography. The Jordan family resides near Urbana, Ohio. Polly maintains a relatively private life despite her husband’s prominent political career.
Jim Jordan Children | Kids
Jim Jordan and his wife, Polly Jordan, have four children: Rachel, Benjamin, Jessie, and Isaac Jordan. The couple raised their children near Urbana, Ohio, where sports became an important family tradition. Furthermore, Benjamin and Isaac followed their father’s wrestling career, competing for the University of Wisconsin Badgers. Both earned NCAA All-American honors during their collegiate wrestling careers. Meanwhile, Jessie pursued college golf, representing Wisconsin and Iowa. Rachel maintains a relatively private life compared to her athletic siblings. Additionally, Jim Jordan has eight grandchildren, according to his official campaign biography. His family maintains strong ties to their Ohio hometown.
Jim Jordan Career Timeline
| Year | Career milestone |
|---|---|
| 1985–1986 | Won consecutive NCAA wrestling championships. |
| 1995 | Began serving in the Ohio House. |
| 2001 | Began serving in the Ohio Senate. |
| 2007 | Entered the U.S. House of Representatives. |
| 2015 | Helped found the House Freedom Caucus. |
| 2023 | Became Judiciary chairman and unsuccessfully sought the speakership. |
| 2026 | Won reelection and selection as the next House Republican leader. |
Jim Jordan Wrestling & Early Career
Jordan won four Ohio high school wrestling championships and finished with a 150–1 record. At Wisconsin, he won NCAA titles in 1985 and 1986. Those achievements established his sporting reputation before he entered politics.
He later worked as an assistant wrestling coach at Ohio State. His university connections continued through graduate study and coaching responsibilities. Wisconsin subsequently recognized his achievements through its athletic Hall of Fame. Its official athletics coverage also documents his wrestling honors and family connections.
Jim Jordan Political Career | Ohio & Congress
Jordan served in the Ohio House from 1995 through 2000 and the Ohio Senate from 2001 through 2006. He then won election to Congress in November 2006. His federal service began on January 3, 2007.
In Washington, he chaired the Republican Study Committee during the 112th Congress. Later, he helped establish the House Freedom Caucus, serving as its first chairman. These organizations provided platforms for his conservative priorities within the Republican conference.
Jordan became House Judiciary Committee chairman in 2023. His current House Clerk profile also lists service on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee. These assignments involve hearings, investigations, and legislative scrutiny. They differ from party leadership positions, which involve organizing the Republican conference itself.
Jim Jordan Political Party: Republican Affiliation & Leadership
Jim Jordan is a member of the Republican Party, representing Ohio’s 4th Congressional District since January 2007. He previously served as a Republican legislator in the Ohio House and Senate. Furthermore, Jordan co-founded the conservative House Freedom Caucus in 2015, becoming its first chairman. His political ideology emphasizes limited government, fiscal conservatism, border security, and opposition to abortion. Additionally, Jordan remains a prominent ally of President Donald Trump and supports his America First agenda. In November 2026, House Republicans elected Jordan as their leader for the incoming Congress, strengthening his influence within the Republican Party and national politics.
Jim Jordan House Speaker Bid
Jordan sought the speakership after Kevin McCarthy’s removal in October 2023. However, he failed to secure a House majority across three floor ballots. Republicans subsequently withdrew their support for him as the party’s nominee.
That episode differs from his November 2026 leadership election. The speaker requires election by the House. A conference leadership contest involves the party’s own members. Consequently, winning Republican leadership does not make Jordan Speaker of the House.
Jim Jordan Ohio State Controversy
Former Ohio State wrestlers have alleged that Jordan knew about team doctor Richard Strauss’s sexual abuse and failed to intervene. Jordan denies knowing about the abuse. Associated Press reported that attorneys questioned him under oath in July 2025 during litigation against the university.
Separately, Ohio State’s independent investigation documented abuse against at least 177 former students. That institutional finding must remain distinct from disputed allegations about Jordan’s knowledge. His deposition was testimony in litigation, rather than a criminal conviction.
Jim Jordan 2026 Election Results: Votes, Opponents & Reelection Victory
Jim Jordan won reelection to Ohio’s 4th Congressional District in the November 3, 2026, midterm elections. The Republican congressman defeated Democrat Joshua Kolasinski and independent candidate Tracey Tackett. According to unofficial election results, Jordan secured 197,084 votes (64.5%), while Kolasinski received 95,497 votes (31.3%). Meanwhile, Tackett garnered 13,005 votes (4.3%). His victory secured another two-year term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Furthermore, Jordan strengthened his Republican leadership position after winning the House Minority Leader election on November 10, 2026. He defeated Steve Scalise in a 106–73 vote, positioning himself to lead House Republicans in 2027.
Jim Jordan Latest News: Republican Leadership
Jim Jordan won the House Republican leadership election on November 10, 2026, defeating Steve Scalise in a 106–73 secret ballot. The Ohio congressman will become House Minority Leader on January 3, 2027, replacing outgoing Republican leader Mike Johnson. Furthermore, Jordan’s victory follows significant Republican losses in the 2026 midterm elections, which handed Democrats control of the House. As a conservative House Freedom Caucus co-founder, Jordan advocates aggressive Republican opposition to Democratic policies. Additionally, he plans to challenge anticipated congressional investigations into President Donald Trump’s administration. Jordan’s leadership priorities include defending conservative policies and rebuilding the Republican House majority before 2028.
Jim Jordan Salary & Net Worth
Jim Jordan earns an annual salary of $174,000 as of 2026, representing Ohio’s 4th Congressional District. This congressional salary equals approximately $14,500 monthly, before taxes and other deductions. Furthermore, Congress has maintained the standard annual salary for House members since 2009. Following Jordan’s selection as House Republican leader, his compensation could increase in 2027. The House Minority Leader position carries an annual salary of $193,400, representing a $19,400 increase. Additionally, congressional members receive allowances covering official office expenses and staff costs.
Jim Jordan Net Worth
Jim Jordan’s estimated net worth ranges from $258,000 to $846,000 as of 2026, according to his latest congressional financial disclosure. His 2025 report, filed in May 2026, lists retirement benefits, bank accounts, investments, and family property. Furthermore, financial analysts estimate his disclosed wealth at approximately $552,000, using the midpoint of reported asset values. Jordan also earns $174,000 annually as a U.S. congressman. However, his actual net worth remains uncertain because congressional disclosures exclude certain assets, including personal residences.
Jim Jordan Quick Facts
- Full Name: James Daniel Jordan
- Popular Name: Jim Jordan
- Date of Birth: February 17, 1964
- Age: 62 years old (2026)
- Birthplace: Troy, Ohio, United States
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: White American
- Religion: Christianity (Protestant)
- Height: Not officially confirmed
- Education: University of Wisconsin–Madison, Ohio State University, Capital University Law School
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Master’s Degree in Education, Juris Doctor (JD)
- Father: John Jordan
- Mother: Shirley Ann Bishop Jordan
- Siblings: Jeff Jordan (brother)
- Marital Status: Married
- Wife: Polly Jordan (m. 1985)
- Children: Four — Rachel, Benjamin, Jessie, and Isaac Jordan
- Grandchildren: Eight (according to his campaign biography)
- Profession: Politician, Former Collegiate Wrestler
- Political Party: Republican Party
- Political Ideology: Conservative
- Congressional District: Ohio’s 4th Congressional District
- Congressional Service: January 2007–present
- Previous Offices: Ohio House of Representatives, Ohio Senate
- Notable Position: Chairman, House Judiciary Committee
- Political Affiliation: House Freedom Caucus co-founder
- Annual Salary: $174,000 (2026)
- Estimated Net Worth: $258,000–$846,000
- Residence: Near Urbana, Ohio, United States
