Collins to serve as ranking Republican of House Judiciary Committee

Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) edged out Steve Chabot (R-Ohio) to become the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee.

Collins — who serves as vice chairman of the House Republican Conference and has strong relationships with members of the steering committee — will play a key role in defending President Trump as Democrats take back the majority next year.

The committee is expected to be in the spotlight as Democratic lawmakers seek to unleash a slew of investigations into the Trump administration. The panel would handle impeachment proceedings if articles against the president are filed.

Despite having strong competition, Collins — who has developed a strong working relationship the president and top administration officials while working on issues like prison reform — sold members of the steering committee, a voting body largely controlled by Republican leadership, on his legislative and messaging abilities.

“The Judiciary Committee’s jurisdiction runs deep and wide, and I’ve been committed to advancing the conservative agenda as a member of the committee since day one,” Collins said in a statement to The Hill. “It’s been an honor to legislate with my House colleagues and earn their trust. As ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, I look forward to the hard battles and noble work before us.”

His win comes amid reports that the president was encouraging members of House GOP leadership to push for Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) — a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus and one of Trump’s strongest allies in the lower chamber — to be selected to serve in the role.

Jordan — who attempted a challenge against House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) in the race for minority leader — ultimately opted not to seek the position after having received strong encouragement from conservatives in the House.

Chabot was unable to sway to committee despite highlighting his experience with impeachment proceedings after having sat on the panel during the Clinton years.

Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y), the current ranking member, is expected to take over as chairman of the committee in January.