Jim Jordan Elected House Minority Leader Following Republican Midterm Losses

House Republicans have elected Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio as their new minority leader following significant losses in the November midterm elections. In a closed-door vote, Jordan defeated outgoing House Majority Leader Steve Scalise by a margin of 106 to 73. He is scheduled to officially assume the leadership role when the 120th Congress convenes on January 3, 2027.

Jordan, a founding member of the House Freedom Caucus and current chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, is known for his vocal support of President Donald Trump. Following his election, Jordan stated that his caucus intends to prioritize individual freedom and challenge the incoming Democratic majority. His leadership comes as the party prepares for expected Democratic-led investigations into the Trump administration.

Alongside Jordan’s election, the House Republican leadership team will include Representative Tom Emmer as whip and Representative Lisa McClain as conference chair. Meanwhile, in the Senate, Republicans have reelected John Thune as their leader. These shifts occur as the party transitions to the minority in both chambers of Congress while President Trump continues his term in the White House.