House Republicans to elect new leader after midterm defeat

Leadership contest

Just one week after losing the majority in the midterm elections, House Republicans will meet behind closed doors on Tuesday to pick a minority leader for the next Congress.

The choice to succeed Mike Johnson, R-La., as the top House Republican will be between current House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., and Ohio Republican Jim Jordan, a co-founder of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus.

The election — which will be conducted by secret ballot — represents a high-stakes decision for the party that will help determine which way it goes as it looks to regroup from a staggering defeat that saw Democrats flip more than 40 GOP seats en route to winning back the majority.

The candidates

In Scalise, 61, House Republicans would be choosing a form of continuity — the No. 2 House Republican since 2023, and someone who has served in broader GOP leadership roles for more than 10 years. He's seen as more moderate than Jordan, and in a letter to colleagues announcing his candidacy, the close Trump ally said his approach to the job would be "conservative and consensus-driven."

"My number one goal as Republican Leader will be to win back the majority and I expect you to hold me accountable to that mission," Scalise wrote. "To succeed, we will need to be effective in both the oversight and legislative fights ahead, but we will also need to lay out a clear and optimistic vision for America."

"We have big tasks ahead, and tested leadership is needed now more than ever," he added.

In Jordan, 62, Republicans would be choosing a veteran of both the House Oversight and House Judiciary committees — two panels poised to play a central role in the new Congress as Democrats plan for a long list of investigations into President Trump and his administration.

A former college wrestling coach known for his pugilistic style, Jordan has pitched an aggressive posture to his colleagues, writing that "offense, not defense, wins elections."

"For too long, we have operated without a clear plan to survive the hour or the day in front of us. That will not cut it against an emboldened and energetic Democratic party," Jordan said in his letter to colleagues, taking a swipe at the House leadership team led by Johnson and Scalise.

"I am battle-tested on the oversight front and I know the Democrats' playbook," he added.

Trump's role

The contest is a rematch from 2023. Back then, Jordan and Scalise were vying to succeed Kevin McCarthy. After multiple candidates failed to secure enough votes, Republicans ultimately voted for Johnson.

That means, Trump could wield a major influence over the direction of the House Republican conference as a result. So far, he's staying out of the race, though in 2023 he did endorse Jordan.

Why it matters

The winner will lead House Republicans as the minority party in the next Congress, which is seated in January. The size of Democrats' victory will limit leverage for Republicans under the eventual House Minority Leader. John Leganski, who was an aide to McCarthy, the former House Speaker, said whoever wins will have two jobs: try to win back the House, and make life as difficult for the Democrats as possible, largely by voting no.

Sources

• npr.org: House Republicans to elect a new leader after midterm defeat : NPR
• amac.us: How Republicans Can Recover After 2026 Midterm Defeat

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