Congress: House and Senate Republicans Hold Leadership Elections After Midterms Losses
Senate Republicans weigh a delay
Senate Republicans are scheduled to meet Tuesday morning to elect leaders. John Thune is expected to become minority leader, and no Republican has launched a challenge. Several GOP senators are pressing to postpone the elections so the conference can discuss the results. Thune said senators would decide whether to delay after a broad conversation about the party’s direction.
House contest begins Tuesday
House Republicans are set to meet at 9 a.m. to consider their next leadership team. Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, are vying for minority leader.
Johnson cites logistical limits
A group of GOP members has called for delaying the vote until Republicans discuss election results and accountability. One member argued that the conference should settle those questions before selecting its next leader.
Key points
- Democrats’ victories last week flipped both chambers of Congress.
- John Thune is expected to become Senate minority leader, with no Republican challenger.
- House Republicans plan to begin considering their next leadership team at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
- Johnson said orientation logistics prevent House Republicans from delaying their leadership elections.