Secret ballot: House Republicans pick Ohio’s Jordan to lead in the minority

Jordan wins leadership vote

Jordan, the House Judiciary Committee chairman, prevailed Tuesday over Scalise in the Republican leadership election. The two competed for the support of lawmakers who will serve in the next Congress.

At 62, Jordan has co-founded and led the House Freedom Caucus. His supporters favored a change after last week’s election losses and pointed to his combative political approach.

A difficult minority role

Jordan takes charge of a historically small House Republican conference as it adjusts to losing power. President Donald Trump has two years remaining in office, while Democrats are expected to conduct numerous investigations of his administration.

Jordan said Republicans must do more than draw attention to Democrats’ positions. “Offense, not defense, wins elections,” he said, describing the party’s task.

Scalise made his case

Scalise, 61, has held senior Republican leadership roles since 2014, including party whip and majority leader. He was critically wounded in a 2017 shooting at a baseball practice involving Republican lawmakers and staff, and was treated successfully for multiple myeloma in 2023.

Other leadership races ahead

Jordan and Scalise had previously competed for House speaker after Kevin McCarthy was removed from the role more than three years ago. Neither secured enough support, and Mike Johnson eventually became speaker; he is stepping aside from leadership in the new Congress.

Republicans are also choosing a whip and conference chair. Reps. Tom Emmer and August Pfluger are seeking the whip position, while Reps. Lisa McClain, Erin Houchin and Greg Steube are running for conference chair. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries is expected to become speaker, and Rep. Katherine Clark is expected to become majority leader.