House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio has won the House Republicans’ election for minority leader, defeating current Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana. Jordan will become the party’s leading congressional defender of President Donald Trump next year.
Jordan received 106 votes to Scalise’s 73 in the closed-door ballot, according to people present. The result drew sustained applause from Republicans gathered nearby.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota also won his race, defeating Republican Study Committee Chairman August Pfluger of Texas, 103 votes to 76. Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain of Michigan fended off a challenge and kept her position.
Before voting, Republican lawmakers held a forum where candidates for leadership faced questions from colleagues. Jordan and Scalise both argued they could bring the conference together, while saying members should have room to represent their districts. The discussion was mostly cordial, though lawmakers raised concerns about how to rebuild unity after the party’s midterm losses and prevent leaks to reporters.
Jordan said afterward that he thought the forum had gone well, but declined to discuss what was said in the private meeting. Incumbent Republicans and members-elect projected to win their races took part in the secret ballot.
The results point to a desire for new leadership following major Republican losses in state and federal races. Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana has said he will step aside and will not seek another leadership role over the next two years.
Ohio Republican Warren Davidson said he likes Scalise, but noted that Scalise has been in party leadership for years, while Jordan rose through the ranks without being part of the leadership team. Scott Fitzgerald of Wisconsin, a Jordan supporter, said Jordan understands the challenges facing Republicans and is an especially effective communicator.
Jordan has built influence over the past decade and has been one of Trump’s most prominent supporters in Washington. He is now expected to lead the party’s response as Democrats prepare investigations involving Trump’s administration, family and business interests.
