(Ben Sellers, Headline USA) State Rep. Kris Jordan, a staunch conservative and well-known fixture in the Ohio legislature, died suddenly and unexpectedly Saturday at the age of 46.
“Fran and I are shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Representative Kris Jordan,” said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine in a statement, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
The paper reported only that he died of “natural causes.”
DeWine ordered that flags at the Ohio statehouse and throughout Jordan’s district—in Delaware County, just north of Columbus—be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of Jordan’s yet-to-be-announced funeral.
“We extend our sincerest condolences to his entire family for this most unexpected loss,” he added. “Kris will be remembered for his expertise as a legislator and his advocacy for the people of Delaware County.”
Apart from sharing a state, surname and political affiliation with one of Ohio’s most prominent politicians, 59-year-old U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, the current chair of the House Judiciary Committee, the two also both cast an aura of higher purpose, as if destined for greater things while projecting a sort of unmatched youthful vigor.
Kris Jordan entered into politics as a county commissioner at the age of only 25 and had first been elected as a state lawmaker in 2008, in his early 30s. There, he quickly became a public face of the Ohio GOP, delivering key messaging following the resignation of the state budget commissioner in 2010.
The father of three was widely praised as a man of upright morals and family values, as well as a deft and promising stateman.
“His death is a great loss to our county’s Republican Party, the Ohio Statehouse and the conservative movement,” said state Sen. Andrew Brenner on Facebook, paying tribute to his friend of three decades.
“His governance has been a constant during Delaware County’s growth over the past two decades and we have much to celebrate because of his service,” said former state Rep. Rick Carfagna.
Although Jordan’s loss is not believed to be connected with the toxic spill in Palestine, Ohio, which lies roughly 100 miles west of his district, his passing caps off a particularly challenging month for the Buckeye State.
The train derailment in Palestine occurred on Feb. 3, and on Feb. 20, a metal plant outside Cleveland exploded, killing one and injuring 13.
The former swing state, which helped elect former President Barack Obama twice, has been widely ignored by the Biden administration, with President Joe Biden deflecting a question on whether he planned to visit Palestine by changing the subject to an Aretha Franklin song on Friday.
Aretha Franklin released “Who’s Zoomin’ Who?” in 1985. That’s one of the songs of my generation. Same goes for @NikkiHaley @tedcruz and @marcorubio
In 1985, Nikki, Ted, Marco, & I were in school. @JoeBiden was in his 3rd term in the Senate. This wasn’t a song of his generation. https://t.co/2lceFXLdtF
— Scott Walker (@ScottWalker) February 25, 2023
Ben Sellers is the editor of Headline USA. Follow him at twitter.com/realbensellers.
