Updated: February 27, 2023, 8:04 AM ET
Kris Jordan, a Republican who represented Delaware County in the Ohio House of Representatives, has died of natural causes, the Ohio House speaker announced Saturday. He was 46.
Jordan, of Ostrander, was a staunch conservative serving his third term as the state's 60th District representative after having earlier served two terms in the Ohio Senate.
“Kris was a loving father, a man of faith, a leader, and a person I considered a very dear friend,” Speaker Jason Stephens said. “My heart goes out to Kris’s family, especially his three children and loving parents.”
Jordan was known for his many years in local and state politics, having been first elected at 25 as a Delaware County Commissioner.
He was also remembered for his activism on conservative causes such as the six-week so-called heartbeat abortion ban.
He was a co-sponsor on five recently introduced Ohio House bills on transparency in healthcare costs, modifying the eminent domain law, banning state officials from using TikTok and other apps, the universal voucher program called the Backpack Bill, and the ban on trans athletes in girls' sports. He also was backing the proposal to require 60% voter approval to amend Ohio's constitution.
Most recently Jordan was on the team supporting Rep. Derek Merrin (R-Monclova Township) as House Republican leader.
While an ugly divorce battle with his ex-wife, also an elected official, made news in 2018, Jordan is being remembered by friends as a loving father and a man of faith.
Tributes to Jordan came out following his death from Gov. Mike DeWine, Attorney General Dave Yost, U.S. Sen. JD Vance and former and current state lawmakers.
Jordan leaves behind three young children. He was 46.
DeWine ordered flags to half-staff at the Ohio statehouse and at all public buildings and grounds throughout Delaware County, saying he and the first lady were “shocked and saddened” by what he called a “most unexpected loss.”