Republican Leadership Races in Congress: Key Contenders

Republicans in the US House and Senate will hold elections Tuesday to select minority leadership after losing their majorities in the midterm elections. The contests will determine the party's direction through the final two years of Donald Trump's presidency. In the House, Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Jim Jordan of Ohio are competing for minority leader, while Tom Emmer of Minnesota and August Pfluger of Texas vie for minority whip. Senate majority leader John Thune of South Dakota is expected to become minority leader, with John Barrasso of Wyoming seeking the second-ranking post. Current House Speaker Mike Johnson will not seek the minority leader position but will remain in Congress. Some senators, including Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, have pushed to delay the leadership elections, arguing Republicans need more time to assess the election results.