Ronny Jackson Announces Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Candidacy

Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Tx), a retired Navy officer and chair of the panel’s intelligence and special operations subcommittee, announced his candidacy for Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Monday.

What does the Chairman do? 

The Chairman leads the panel that directs U.S. defense policy and oversees the Department of Defense, managing legislation and controlling the committee’s agenda. 

What did the Congressman say? 

• “As Chairman, I will fight to advance military readiness, make critical investments in our national defense, and always put our service members and their families first.”
• “Together, we will work to keep America free and safe.”

Jackson is running against senior members Reps. Rob Wittman (R-Va.) and Trent Kelly (R-Miss.). If the Republicans keep the House in the midterm elections, the winner of the race will become the Chairman. 

Jackson announced his candidacy, citing his 25 years Naval experience and Congressional experience.

“As Chairman, I will fight to advance military readiness, make critical investments in our national defense, and always put our service members and their families first,” wrote Jackson on X. 

The current Chairman is Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), who has served in the position since Jan. 2023. His term is limited after this Congress. 

Achievements from Rogers include Committee passage of FY27 NDAA in June, a piece of legislation which outlines support given to service members to defend the U.S.

As a Congressman from Texas, Jackson is running for Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, hoping to “keep America free and safe.”