Scalise and Jordan Battle for House GOP Leader After Historic Election Losses
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Nov 7
Scalise and Jordan Battle for House GOP Leader After Historic Election Losses
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Nov 7
Summary
Mike Johnson’s exit from the race has left Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan as the only candidates to lead House Republicans after Democrats reclaimed the chamber by a wider-than-expected margin.
Jordan is pitching an aggressive defense against expected Democratic investigations of President Donald Trump, while Scalise is running on unity and a broader plan to win back the majority in 2028.
The contest reflects a deeper split inside the conference: Jordan’s support is concentrated in the roughly 30-member Freedom Caucus, while Scalise draws from a diminished but still influential moderate wing.
Leadership turmoil extends beyond the top job, with Tom Emmer challenged for minority whip and Lisa McClain facing two rivals, as younger Republicans argue the party needs a wider reset after the drubbing.