Jim Jordan Defeats Steve Scalise to Lead House Republicans in New Minority Role
The Ohio representative won the leadership vote 106 to 73, signaling a hard-line approach as the party prepares for a two-year stint out of power.
By Chinedu Schneider ·
Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio secured the leadership of the House Republican conference on Tuesday, defeating Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana in a 106 to 73 vote. Jordan will guide the party through its first term as the minority in the new Congress while facing a slate of Democratic investigations into President Donald Trump.
The 62 year old co founder of the House Freedom Caucus ran on a platform of aggressive oversight. Rep. Brian Mast of Florida, who nominated Jordan, argued that the candidate's fighting style defined the direction of the group. Jordan told reporters after the vote that the party would prioritize liberty against increased government spending. He stated that Republicans would pursue this goal in committee, on the floor, and on the campaign trail every day.
Jordan replaces Mike Johnson, who is stepping down from the speaker's chair. The two men have served in Congress together for two decades. Both men sought the speakership in 2023 after Kevin McCarthy lost his position, but neither gathered enough support at that time. Jordan previously served as the top Republican on the House Oversight Committee before moving to the Judiciary Committee six years ago.
Scalise, 61, pitched his experience and fundraising ability to the caucus. He noted that he raised 67.9 million dollars for the midterm elections, with roughly one third directed to specific House campaigns and the National Republican Congressional Committee. Scalise, who survived a shooting in 2017 and a cancer diagnosis in 2023, told colleagues that overcoming adversity was familiar territory for him. His supporters valued his track record of moving legislation, but he lost the backing of a caucus that has shifted further to the right.
The defeat of many moderate and swing district Republicans in the recent election left the conference smaller and more ideologically cohesive. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida said the Democratic leadership aims to use targeted investigations as a primary tool. She claimed Jordan understands the political weaponization of these probes. This sentiment appealed to lawmakers who want a leader prepared for a contentious two year period.
Democrats criticized the choice as a move away from the center. Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington said the party lost many Republican voters and should have sought a more moderate leader. Rep. Ted Lieu of California, the vice chair of the House Democratic caucus, labeled Jordan the more extreme candidate. He expressed hope that the new leadership would seek cooperation despite the selection.
The rest of the Republican leadership slate was finalized on Tuesday. Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota was elected as whip, defeating Rep. August Pfluger of Texas. Rep. Lisa McClain of Michigan was reelected as conference chair. Democrats are scheduled to hold their own leadership elections next week.
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York is expected to become the next House speaker, marking the first time an African American has held the position. Rep. Katherine Clark of Massachusetts is expected to serve as majority leader, which would make her the first woman in that role.
