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Following Democratic victories in the 2026 midterms, Steve Scalise has announced his intention to run for House Republican minority leader, setting up a potential race against Jim Jordan.
Following the 2026 midterm elections, in which Republicans lost their chamber majority to Democrats, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., has begun informing colleagues of his intention to run for the GOP's top leadership position, according to two sources told Fox News Digital.
The move sets up a likely showdown with House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, who is expected to mount his own campaign to lead the GOP minority, according to Fox News Digital. While most Republicans expect both Scalise and Jordan to "make a play for minority leader," both lawmakers have "publicly refused to entertain questions" regarding a potential leadership fight on the record, according to The Washington Post.
One source described Scalise's pitch to colleagues as follows: "His number one goal will be to lead the conference back into the majority. He is a proven and tested leader who is ready on day one. He’s spent his career unifying Republicans, and he is prepared for the big legislative and oversight battles ahead. The conference knows him, how he fights, and that he’s a trusted leader."
While some reports suggested a "clear-cut race between Scalise and Jordan," Republican leaders with "opposing styles and vastly different strengths and coalitions" could turn the contest into a "three-way battle," according to Puck. Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., the current GOP caucus whip, has also been "floated as a potential minority leader," though he stated he "plans on running for whip again next Congress."
The leadership battle occurs as Republicans face a "diminished House Republican Conference" following the midterm results. Current Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has signaled he intends to stay on as party leader, according to The Week US. However, Johnson has also told his staff that he will not seek to lead the House GOP in the next Congress, according to Fox News Digital.
Scalise has spent more than a decade in House GOP leadership, though previous attempts to reach the top position failed, including an October 2023 bid to succeed former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. Winning the minority leader role requires winning more than 50% of lawmakers within the party, a different threshold than the majority of the 435-seat House required for Speaker.
The winner of the minority leader position will face the task of defending President Donald Trump against anticipated Democratic investigations. House Democrats have signaled they are prepared to investigate the president's business interests, family, and allies, and are positioning to impeach Cabinet officials.
The outcome of this leadership race will be influenced by the "size and ideological makeup" of the post-midterm GOP conference. If the party suffers "heavy losses" that "obliterate moderates representing swing districts," the caucus may become "smaller but more conservative."
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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Democrats have secured majorities in both the House and Senate following the US midterm elections, resulting in leadership shifts within the Republican Party.
PoliticsTrending
Democrats secured a sweeping victory in the 2026 midterm elections, retaking control of both chambers of Congress and potentially impacting U.S. trade policy and relations with Canada.
