By — Kevin Freking, Associated Press Kevin Freking, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/house-republicans-pick-ohio-rep-jim-jordan-to-lead-them-in-the-minority Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter House Republicans pick Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan to lead them in the minority Politics Nov 10, 2026 2:52 PM EST WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio won the race Tuesday to serve as House Republican leader as the GOP prepares for its new role in the minority. Jordan, who serves as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, defeated Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana in a secret ballot election of Republicans who will serve in the next Congress. The vote was 106-73. Jordan, 62, is a co-founder of the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus and served as its first chairman. His candidacy appealed to those looking for new leadership in the wake of last week's election debacle and to those who like his hard-hitting political style. Jordan as minority leader will inherit a historically small House Republican conference that is only beginning to grapple with its loss of power as President…
House Republicans pick Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan to lead them in the minority
In short
The vote marks a decisive shift toward an aggressive posture as the conference prepares for a defensive stance during Donald Trump's final two years in office. Members chose the combative House Freedom Caucus co-founder to shield the administration from incoming Democratic investigations following substantial midterm losses. His elevation comes as current Speaker Mike Johnson steps aside from his leadership post. In the internal race, Jordan secured the post by prevailing over Steve Scalise, despite the Louisiana lawmaker raising $67.9 million for the midterms.
Key points
- Jim Jordan pledged to lead an aggressive oversight defense against incoming Democratic in…: Jim Jordan pledged to lead an aggressive oversight defense against incoming Democratic investigations of the Trump administration.
- The House Republican conference is filling remaining minority leadership roles, including…: The House Republican conference is filling remaining minority leadership roles, including a contest for minority whip between Tom Emmer and August Pfluger.
- House Democrats will conduct leadership elections next week, with Representative Hakeem J…: House Democrats will conduct leadership elections next week, with Representative Hakeem Jeffries poised to become the next speaker.