House Republicans to Choose New Minority Leader After Midterm Losses

House Republicans are set to meet behind closed doors on Tuesday to elect a new minority leader for the next Congress, following their loss of the House majority in the recent midterm elections. The secret ballot will decide between current House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., and Ohio Republican Jim Jordan, a co-founder of the House Freedom Caucus.

Scalise, 61, has served as the No. 2 House Republican since 2023 and describes his approach as "conservative and consensus-driven." In a letter to colleagues he wrote, "My number one goal as Republican Leader will be to win back the majority and I expect you to hold me accountable to that mission." He added that the party needs to be effective in oversight and legislative battles while presenting a clear, optimistic vision for the country.

Jordan, 62, emphasizes an aggressive strategy, stating in his letter, "Offense, not defense, wins elections." He argues that Republicans must develop a clear plan to counter the Democratic agenda and highlighted his experience on the House Oversight and Judiciary committees, noting, "I am battle-tested on the oversight front and I know the Democrats' playbook."

Former House Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry said the leadership contest will likely spark a broader discussion about the party's direction. Republican strategist Leslie Shedd warned that candidates must present a substantive vision to guide the conference out of what she called a "desert." Analysts note that President Donald Trump, who endorsed Jordan in 2023, has not publicly entered the race but could influence the outcome given the composition of the incoming GOP caucus.

The vote will shape the Republican strategy in the new Congress, with the chosen leader expected to focus on regaining the majority and challenging Democratic initiatives.