Republicans pick new leaders after losing Congress: Scalise vs Jordan in House, Thune seeks to stay in Senate

Republicans are selecting new congressional leaders Tuesday after losing control of both chambers in the midterm elections, with Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan competing for House minority leader and John Thune seeking to retain his Senate post. The outcomes will shape the party's strategy during the final two years of Donald Trump's presidency. In the Senate, Thune faces no challenger but conservative senators have called for delaying the vote to examine the election defeat, which he said would be discussed before proceeding. The House race is more competitive, as Speaker Mike Johnson declined to run, and Democrats secured at least 54 Senate and 252 House seats for a majority. Democrats plan to advance legislation on living costs, though Senate filibuster rules and veto override requirements limit their power. Thune has pledged to work with Trump against Democratic proposals, while facing criticism from Trump supporters over his pre-election agenda, highlighting the party's dual challenge of rebuilding and defining its alignment with the president.