House Republicans elected Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) to serve as the party's minority leader for the upcoming Congress. In a closed-door vote on Tuesday, Jordan defeated current Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) with a tally of 106 to 73. The leadership change follows midterm elections in which the Republican party lost more than 40 seats in the House of Representatives.
The transition comes as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) announced he is stepping down from his leadership position. Johnson, who has not committed to his long-term future in Congress, was elected speaker in 2023 following the removal of Kevin McCarthy. At that time, both Jordan and Scalise had unsuccessfully sought the speakership before the conference reached a unanimous decision to support Johnson.
Jordan, a founding member of the House Freedom Caucus, argued in a candidacy letter that the party required a "clear plan" to oppose the incoming Democratic majority. Scalise, who has served in various leadership roles since 2014, noted his history of overcoming personal adversity, referring to his recovery from a 2017 shooting and a 2023 diagnosis of multiple myeloma, which he stated is currently in remission.
Rank-and-file Republican members will see a change in their daily operations and committee assignments as Jordan takes over the role previously held by the outgoing leadership team. Previous attempts by both Jordan and Scalise to lead the party in 2023 resulted in weeks of turbulence. This election establishes Jordan as a foil to the Democratic majority's agenda, influencing how the minority uses its procedural power to block or amend legislation.
The vote affects the House Judiciary Committee, which Jordan has chaired since 2023, as a new leader will eventually be required for that body. The transition also signals a shift in the party's hierarchy following the departure of Speaker Johnson from leadership. The next Congress is scheduled to convene in January, at which point Jordan will officially assume the duties of minority leader. Further details regarding the remainder of the leadership slate and specific committee assignments for the new Congress have not yet been reported.