House Republicans elect Jim Jordan as minority leader

House Republicans on Tuesday elected Jim Jordan as minority leader for the 120th Congress, beating House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, according to multiple sources.

Jordan got 106 votes to Scalise's 73 votes, the sources said.

"Over the next two years, House Republicans will fight for American families," Jordan said in brief remarks to reporters after his election. "When Democrats offer more government, we'll offer more freedom, and we will bring that fight in committee, on the floor, and on the stump every single day."

Jordan, a co-founder of the House Freedom Caucus, will succeed Mike Johnson as the top House Republican when the new Congress begins in January. Johnson announced last week that he would not stand for election as minority leader.

In other House races, Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota was elected to serve as GOP minority whip, beating a challenge from Texas Rep. August Pfluger. Rep. Lisa McClain of Michigan was elected to serve as GOP conference chair, beating challenges from Rep. Erin Houchin of Indiana and Rep. Greg Steube of Florida.

Emmer said Republicans will "regain the trust and confidence of the American people" to build back a majority in 2028.

Senate leadership

Senate Republicans on Tuesday approved John Thune by acclamation to remain the conference's leader in the minority. The caucus re-elected the rest of its previous leadership: Sen. John Barrasso will remain as Senate GOP whip and Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas will remain Republican Conference chair.

Thune said in a statement: "I'm proud of what this Republican team has accomplished together, and we remain united in our commitment to advancing conservative priorities, working with President Trump and our colleagues in the House, and holding the line against Democrats' efforts to enact their far-left, liberal agenda."

Why it matters

Jordan's election signals a shift in House Republican leadership after the party's midterm losses. He will lead Republicans in the minority as Democrats prepare investigations into President Trump and his administration. In the Senate, Thune's re-election means continuity in Republican leadership.

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Sources

• abcnews.com: House Republicans elect Jim Jordan as minority leader for the next Congress - ABC News
• theguardian.com: Republicans elect Jim Jordan as House minority leader after midterm defeats | Jim Jordan | The Guardian
• npr.org: House Republicans elect Jim Jordan as new leader : NPR
• nbcnews.com: House Republicans elect Rep. Jim Jordan as their next leader following election losses

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.