Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan has defeated Louisiana Representative Steve Scalise in the race to lead House Republicans following the party’s significant losses in last week’s midterm elections.
Jordan secured 106 votes in a secret-ballot election, defeating Scalise by more than 33 votes and positioning himself as the new leader of House Republicans as they prepare to enter the minority.
His victory marks a setback for the Republican establishment, which had backed Scalise, the current House Majority Leader, as its preferred candidate for the position.
Jordan Promises Republicans a Fight Against Democrats
During a closed-door meeting ahead of the vote, Jordan promised fellow Republicans that he would lead an aggressive fight as the party prepares for its new position in Congress.
His message reportedly gained support among lawmakers frustrated by the party’s performance in the midterm elections and calling for significant changes to its leadership.
Jordan previously led Republican efforts to counter the first two impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump.
His appointment is expected to place him at the forefront of the party’s response to investigations Democrats may pursue against the president and his administration.
With Democrats returning to power in the House, Trump faces the possibility of congressional investigations, legislative disagreements and another impeachment challenge during the final two years of his second term.
Leadership Contest Exposes Divisions Within GOP
The contest between Jordan and Scalise highlighted divisions within the Republican Party over how best to respond to its election defeat.
Scalise, who has strong ties to outgoing Speaker Mike Johnson, was viewed as the establishment candidate because of his experience in the party’s leadership.
However, several Republicans believed the election results called for a change in direction and a different leadership approach.
The contest effectively became a choice between Jordan’s combative political style and Scalise’s years of experience in senior Republican leadership positions.
Jordan Gains Support From Prominent Republicans
Jordan attracted backing from several influential Republican lawmakers during the leadership contest.
Representative Mike Rulli publicly endorsed the Ohio congressman. During the closed-door meeting, Rulli reportedly questioned what Republican leaders intended to accomplish with the remainder of their time in the majority.
He also said voters in his district were demanding greater action from Republicans, drawing approving reactions and cheers from other lawmakers.
Representative Scott Fitzgerald also announced his support for Jordan on Tuesday, describing him as an exceptional fighter and communicator.
Andy Harris, chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, backed Jordan as well, arguing that Republicans needed to change their leadership team.
Scalise Retains Support From Experienced Lawmakers
Despite Jordan’s growing momentum, Scalise maintained support among Republicans who believed his leadership experience would make him the stronger candidate.
Representative Rick Allen endorsed the Louisiana congressman, praising his dedication and sacrifices for the party.
Representatives Mike Kelly, Nathaniel Moran and Mario Diaz-Balart also supported Scalise.
Diaz-Balart argued that Scalise offered the best opportunity to rebuild the Republican Party by concentrating on economic issues and national security.
Before the vote, Scalise expressed confidence about his chances, saying he felt good about the contest.
He also described the leadership election as the beginning of efforts to put the country back on track and regain control of the House.
Trump and Johnson Stay Out of the Leadership Contest
The leadership race attracted additional attention because neither President Donald Trump nor outgoing Speaker Mike Johnson publicly endorsed either candidate.
Trump had said the previous week that he intended to remain neutral in the contest.
Johnson also declined to indicate a preference, insisting that Republican lawmakers should independently decide who would lead them.
He said he wanted members of the House Republican conference to make their own decisions and confirmed that he would not interfere in the leadership elections.
Jordan’s Previous Attempts to Secure Leadership Positions
Jordan has pursued senior Republican leadership positions on several occasions.
In 2018, he challenged Kevin McCarthy in the race for House Republican leadership but failed to secure the position after multiple rounds of voting.
He also entered the contest for House Speaker in 2023 but eventually lost to Mike Johnson.
His latest victory gives him the leadership position he has sought for years, following a decisive defeat of the establishment-backed candidate.
New Republican Leader Faces Immediate Challenges
The leadership election was initially scheduled for Tuesday morning but was postponed until the afternoon because of several committee hearings.
Jordan will immediately face the challenge of coordinating the Republican response to Democrats’ return to control of the House.
Among the most pressing issues is the expected push by Democrats to investigate the Trump administration when the new Congress begins in January.
He will also have to manage divisions within his party, respond to the consequences of the midterm defeat and develop a strategy for helping Republicans regain their House majority in 2028.
