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Rep. Jim Jordan Will Not Enter U.S. Senate Race To Replace Portman

By Karen Kasler

Published January 28, 2021 at 9:24 PM EST

U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) shakes hands with U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) in 2019. [Statehouse News Bureau] — U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) shakes hands with U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-04, Urbana) in 2019.

A big development in the upcoming race for U.S. Senate in 2022 — one high profile possible candidate to fill the seat is out.

Congressman Jim Jordan (R-OH) will not be running for U.S. Sen. Rob Portman's (R-OH) seat, according to a Jordan spokesman. But Jordan, a strong ally of former President Donald Trump, will run for his House seat again, the spokesman added.

Political pundits considered Jordan a strong contender for the open seat. The Urbana Republican won reelection for his seventh term last November by almost a two to one margin, though his district may look different after Congressional lines are redrawn this year.

Portman announced Monday he would not be seeking reelection when his term expires in 2022. That opened to door to speculation of who would seek to replace him.

Jordan's decision is considered a huge break in that race for Republicans who want to run. The list of potential candidates could include Ohio Republican Party chair Jane Timken, former state treasurer and 2012 failed senate candidate Josh Mandel, and former Congressman and failed 2018 candidate for governor Jim Renacci, though he may be thinking of challenging Gov. Mike DeWine again.

On the Democratic side, Dayton mayor Nan Whaley has already said she’s not running for reelection to that office, and Youngstown-area Congressman Tim Ryan and former Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman said they’re interested – along with a new name in political circles, former Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton.