Jim Jordan chosen as House Republican minority leader after midterm losses
Veteran Ohio congressman Jim Jordan was elected to lead the House GOP, while Senator John Thune retained his role as Senate Republican leader, as the party prepares for a Democratic-controlled Congress.
Republicans in the House voted to make Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan their minority leader for the next Congress, succeeding the party’s recent defeats in the midterm elections. Jordan, a longtime figure in the party’s right wing, will guide the GOP’s strategy against Democratic investigations into President Trump’s second administration and an ambitious legislative agenda.
"Over the next two years, House Republicans will fight for American families. When Democrats offer more government, we’ll offer more freedom, and we will bring that fight in committee, on the floor, and on the stump every single day," Jordan said to reporters after his election.
Jordan defeated Rep. Steve Scalise, the current majority leader, in a closed-door vote. The previous House speaker, Mike Johnson, announced he would not remain in leadership after the election losses. Johnson praised Jordan, noting, "Jim was a mentor of mine when I first came to Congress 10 years ago… He’s always been regarded as a leader by the conference, and he’s going to do an extraordinary job."
Senate Republican leader John Thune, who was re-elected by his conference, will continue to serve alongside Jordan. Thune said, "I’m proud of what this Republican team has accomplished together, and we remain united in our commitment to advancing conservative priorities, working with President Trump and our colleagues in the House, and holding the line against Democrats’ efforts to enact their far-left, liberal agenda."
The elections were held in private meetings. Some members, such as Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee, called for a change in strategy after voters removed the party from power, while Rep. Anna Paulina Luna endorsed Jordan, criticizing Scalise for insufficiently defending right-wing priorities.
Jordan, first elected in 2006, helped found the House Freedom Caucus in 2015 and served as its first chair. He has been a vocal defender of President Trump, echoing the former president’s claims about the 2020 election and supporting investigations into political opponents. Democrats condemned the appointment, with Rep. Don Beyer saying the move signaled the party was "elevating their most extreme voices to positions of power."