Explainer

Who now leads House Republicans after losing their majority?

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House Republicans chose Jim Jordan, a founding member of the hard-right Freedom Caucus and a combative ally of Donald Trump, to lead them. In a secret ballot he won 106 votes to 73 for Steve Scalise, the party's number two.

House Republican leadership vote
  • Jim Jordan106 votes
  • Steve Scalise73 votes

Jordan set his line against the incoming Democratic majority: When Democrats offer more government, we'll offer more freedom. And we will bring that fight in committee, on the floor and on the stump every single day.

“When Democrats offer more government, we'll offer more freedom. And we will bring that fight in committee, on the floor and on the stump every single day.”

Jim Jordan

Midterm losses on 3 November cost Republicans the House, and on 10 November they chose him to lead them. When the new Congress convenes on 3 January, he will lead the minority.

From vote to minority leader
  1. 3 November 2026Midterms cost the House majority
  2. 10 November 2026House Republicans pick Jordan
  3. 3 January 2027Coming upNew Congress convenes

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The story

Jim Jordan elected House Republican leader after midterm losses; Thune reelected in SenateRead the article

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