Jim Jordan secured the minority leader position after winning a closed-door secret-ballot contest against Steve Scalise with a 106 to 73 vote. The shakeup comes in the wake of substantial midterm losses that ceded sizeable majorities in the House and Senate to Democrats. Jordan, who has headed the House Judiciary Committee since 2023, pitched himself as a battle-tested leader equipped to counter the incoming majority. Meanwhile, Speaker Mike Johnson is officially exiting leadership without committing to his long-term future in Congress.
Key points
House Republicans are pivoting toward combative conservative leadership to challenge the…: House Republicans are pivoting toward combative conservative leadership to challenge the incoming Democratic majorities next January.
The decisive defeat of Steve Scalise brings an end to Mike Johnson's tenure atop the Hous…: The decisive defeat of Steve Scalise brings an end to Mike Johnson's tenure atop the House Republican leadership structure.
Senate Republicans are reviewing their own leadership hierarchy, with John Thune favored…: Senate Republicans are reviewing their own leadership hierarchy, with John Thune favored despite calls to evaluate the midterm losses.
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Republicans in the US House of Representatives on Tuesday elected conservative Jim Jordan as their minority leader for the next Congress, following the party's losses in last week's midterm elections, according to a report by Punchbowl News.
Jordan, an Ohio Republican who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, was elected in a secret ballot held behind closed doors, defeating current Majority Leader Steve Scalise. He secured 106 votes against Scalise's 73, sources familiar with the tally told CBS News.
Jordan's elevation marks a leadership change for House Republicans as they prepare to rebuild after losing more than 40 seats, handing Democrats sizeable majorities in both the House and Senate in the November 3 midterm elections.
A hardline conservative and close ally of President Donald Trump, Jordan helped establish the conservative House Freedom Caucus and has chaired the House Judiciary Committee since 2023.
In a letter outlining his candidacy, Jordan said the party needed a clearer strategy to counter the incoming Democratic majority.
"For too long, we have operated without a clear plan to survive the hour or the day in front…
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