Payam Javan: Former President Donald Trump has officially endorsed Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) as his pick for the next Speaker of the House.

Jordan, who heads the House Judiciary Committee and founded the House Freedom Caucus, has already announced his intention to succeed Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).

Trump praised Jordan’s long-standing contributions and even highlighted presenting him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The endorsement comes amid a competitive race for the speaker role, with Jordan and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) as the top contenders, vying for the crucial 218 votes needed for success.

The announcement was first brought to attention by Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas).