Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, plans to step down as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee after the current Congress rather than seek a waiver from House Republican term limits, according to Politico. Jordan made the announcement Wednesday in an interview at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas.

Jordan said he does not plan to request an exception to the House GOP's three-term limit for committee leaders. “No, I don’t plan to do that,” Jordan said when asked about seeking a waiver. He also said he would not seek to return to lead the House Oversight Committee.

Jordan has chaired the Judiciary Committee during the current Congress, where he has overseen investigations involving the Justice Department, FBI, federal courts, immigration and other issues. The committee's Republican majority has continued to conduct investigations and request information from federal agencies during the 2026 session.

The Ohio Republican previously served as the top Republican on the Oversight Committee before taking over the Judiciary Committee. He has also been a prominent member of the House Freedom Caucus and sought the speakership in 2023 following Kevin McCarthy's removal, though Republicans ultimately selected Mike Johnson for the position.

Jordan's decision leaves the Judiciary chairmanship open for the next Congress and is already prompting interest from other Republicans. Rep. Laurel Lee, R-Fla., said Thursday that she plans to seek the top Republican position on the Judiciary Committee.

Jordan is seeking another term in the House this year and has not announced another leadership position he intends to pursue. His decision not to seek a waiver also means he will not attempt to extend his tenure as Judiciary chairman beyond the Republican conference's current term-limit rules.

The leadership changes will take effect with the next Congress in January 2027, following the November midterm elections. The final makeup of the House will determine which Republicans are eligible to compete for committee leadership positions and how the Judiciary Committee is organized for the new session.