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Texas Republican Rep. Ronny Jackson said Thursday he is considering a run to become the top Republican on the House Armed Services Committee after the midterm elections, according to reports.
Jackson, a three-term congressman and former Navy officer, would likely compete against fellow Republicans Rob Wittman and Trent Kelly, both of whom have also indicated interest in the role.
The current chairman, Mike Rogers, is nearing his term limit but could seek a waiver to remain in the position.
Jackson said his decision would not depend on outside political developments, including potential redistricting changes in Virginia that could affect Wittman’s seat.
“If I do it, I’m going to do it regardless of any other factors,” Jackson said. “It’s not going to be related to anything else that’s going on or anybody else that’s running.”
Currently, Jackson chairs the House Armed Services Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee. Wittman and Kelly also hold subcommittee leadership roles and have longer tenures in Congress, though Jackson downplayed the role of seniority in the selection process.
“Everything’s not based on seniority,” he said. “It should be the right person for the job.”
Before entering politics, Jackson served more than two decades in the U.S. Navy and worked as a White House physician. He is also considered a close ally of Donald Trump.
Jackson’s past includes a withdrawn nomination to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2018 and a Pentagon review that found he engaged in inappropriate conduct while serving as White House physician. He has denied wrongdoing and described the findings as politically motivated.
“I was, and still am, a retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, and Joe Biden is a retired old FOOL. After the Biden administration’s politically motivated attacks against me, I am pleased to share that my military rank has been fully restored. Thank you, @SECNAV, for righting the wrongs of the last administration,” he wrote at the time.
