House Republicans pick Jim Jordan as new leader after midterm losses

House Republicans selected Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio as their new House Minority Leader, defeating Majority Leader Steve Scalise in a 106-73 secret ballot vote following sweeping midterm losses that shifted control of Congress to Democrats. Jordan, a hard-line conservative and Trump ally who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, announced his bid after Speaker Mike Johnson declined to seek the role. He emphasized an offensive strategy, vowing to counter Democratic investigations and restore voters' faith in Republican principles, while Scalise warned of a "radical agenda" from Democrats. Both Jordan and Scalise previously competed for Speaker in 2023 after Kevin McCarthy's ouster, with Johnson ultimately securing the position. Johnson, who won reelection, said Republicans would aim to retake the House in 2028, while President Trump praised his leadership and stayed neutral in the leadership race.