Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., has been reportedly advising Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, as the Judiciary Committee chairman positions himself for a potential bid to lead House Republicans following the 2026 midterm elections, according to The Washington Sun.

Jordan is preparing for the possibility that Republicans lose their House majority in November, which would force the party to select new leadership in the minority. McCarthy has reportedly been offering guidance on how Jordan should position himself and build support within the Republican conference.

The two Republicans were once political rivals but developed a closer alliance in January 2023, when Jordan helped persuade Republican holdouts to support McCarthy's successful bid for speaker. After McCarthy was ousted from the speakership in October 2023, he backed Jordan's effort to replace him. Jordan ultimately failed to secure enough votes, and McCarthy left Congress later that year.

Despite those setbacks, the two have maintained regular contact. Sources told The Washington Sun that McCarthy has continued advising Jordan on his leadership ambitions and has privately encouraged other Republicans to support him. The discussions suggest Jordan is working to establish a stronger base of support before the party's leadership elections.

Jordan could face competition from current House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La. The contest could become especially consequential if Republicans lose control of the chamber, forcing the party to reassess its strategy and leadership.

McCarthy has publicly criticized Johnson for keeping the House out of session, arguing that the approach could help Democrats regain control of Congress. His criticism has added tension to the leadership debate, with one senior Republican congressman telling The Washington Sun, “Kevin's always helping everyone. Well, everyone but Johnson.”

Jordan, however, has sought to distance himself from the internal dispute. While campaigning in South Carolina, he said his immediate priority was helping Republicans maintain their majority and declined to engage directly with McCarthy's criticism of Johnson.

“I think Mike's done an outstanding job, but I'm not worried about any of that stuff right now,” Jordan said.

Jordan also argued that Republicans should concentrate on preventing the Democratic Socialists of America from gaining greater influence, rather than becoming distracted by internal leadership maneuvering.

Republicans are scheduled to hold their leadership elections on November 10, just days after the midterm elections. The results of those elections, along with the balance of power in the House, will determine whether Jordan's preparations develop into a formal challenge for the party's top leadership position.