Jim Jordan Elected House Republican Leader After Midterm Losses

House Republicans elected Ohio Representative Jim Jordan as their next leader on November 10, choosing a close ally of President Donald Trump and a supporter of Israel as they prepare to enter the minority. Jordan, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, defeated Louisiana Representative Steve Scalise, the current majority leader, by 106 votes to 73 in a secret ballot. Jordan said after the leadership elections: “Over the next two years, House Republicans will fight for American families.” He will replace outgoing House Speaker Mike Johnson as the conference’s leader in January. Johnson is stepping down from leadership following the Republicans’ midterm losses. Jordan helped establish the House Freedom Caucus and has chaired the Judiciary Committee since 2023. The contest brought together two Republicans who had sought the speakership after Kevin McCarthy’s removal in 2023. Neither Jordan nor Scalise secured the conference’s backing then, and Johnson ultimately won unanimous Republican support. Scalise has served in the party’s leadership since 2014, holding majority and minority whip positions before becoming majority leader in 2023. The incoming leadership team also includes Minnesota Representative Tom Emmer as minority whip and Michigan Representative Lisa McClain as conference chair. Georgia Representative Brian Jack was chosen to lead the National Republican Congressional Committee, replacing North Carolina Representative Richard Hudson, who lost reelection. The new team takes over when the next Congress convenes in January.