Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio was elected the next House Republican leader on November 10, defeating Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana as the party prepares to enter the minority. Republicans chose Jordan in Washington to lead their conference when Democrats take control of the chamber in January.
Jordan won the closed-door, secret-ballot contest 106–73, according to ABC News and Roll Call. The result settles the contest for the party’s top House leadership position after Speaker Mike Johnson decided against seeking the role in the next Congress.
Rep. Warren Davidson, another Ohio Republican, confirmed the election in an official statement congratulating Jordan. The incoming leadership assignment concerns the 120th Congress; it does not immediately change who holds office in the current House.
Jim Jordan wins the leadership vote
The conference election was an internal party decision, rather than a vote of the full House. It selected the Republican leader for a chamber in which Democrats will hold the majority following the November 3 midterm elections.
The reported tally gives Jordan a 33-vote margin over Scalise. That margin is the difference between the candidates’ totals, not a measure of Republican seats lost in the general election.
Jordan currently chairs the House Judiciary Committee and helped establish the conservative House Freedom Caucus. His selection elevates a lawmaker closely associated with congressional investigations to the conference’s top position as Republicans prepare for Democratic control of House committees.
The House Freedom Caucus welcomed Jim Jordan’s win, with Chairman Andy Harris of Maryland describing him as the right choice to confront Democrats.
The candidates offered different leadership pitches
NPR reported that Jordan emphasized his experience confronting Democrats in oversight proceedings and argued for a more aggressive political approach. His candidacy letter called for Republicans to develop a clearer plan for operating in the minority.
Scalise emphasized legislative experience and his ability to bring Republicans together. Roll Call reported that he highlighted his record before colleagues during the candidates’ forum in the Capitol Visitor Center on Tuesday morning.
NPR also reported that Scalise made regaining the majority his central goal and presented his approach as based on conservative policy and consensus. Those were the candidates’ competing arguments for the job, rather than guarantees about future legislative or electoral results.
Both men previously sought the speakership following Kevin McCarthy’s removal in 2023. Neither secured the support needed to take that office, which ultimately went to Johnson.
Johnson’s decision opened the top position
Johnson announced that he would not seek a leadership post in the new Congress after Republicans lost their majority. Hourly Times previously explained Johnson’s decision not to run for minority leader and the distinction between that choice and immediately leaving the speakership.
The wider leadership elections also produced continuity in other positions. Roll Call reported that Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer defeated Texas Rep. August Pfluger for minority whip, while Michigan Rep. Lisa McClain won the conference chair contest.
Davidson’s official statement congratulating Jordan said he had supported his fellow Ohioan. He identified affordability, foreign policy and deficit reduction among the issues he wanted Jordan to prioritize.
What the minority leader does
The House historian’s explanation of minority leadership says party leaders are elected every two years by secret ballot within their caucus or conference. The minority leader represents the party’s policies, helps maintain unity and works to protect minority rights.
The position is separate from Speaker, the officer elected by the full House to preside over the chamber. Winning the Republican conference contest therefore does not make Jordan Speaker or give Republicans control over the incoming House majority.
Democrats’ own leadership choices remain a separate process. The Associated Press reported that their leadership elections would take place the following week, with Hakeem Jeffries expected to become the next Speaker.
For Jim Jordan, the next confirmed transition point is January 3, 2027, when the new Congress begins. His leadership team will then take responsibility for organizing House Republicans in the minority.
