House Republicans have chosen Jim Jordan of Ohio as their next leader, while Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer will remain in the party’s No. 2 whip role. Jordan defeated Steve Scalise 106–73, and Emmer beat a challenger to become minority whip. They will lead Republicans in the House minority when Democrats take control in January.
Jim Jordan Won the Leadership Race by 106–73
House Republicans chose Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio over Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana in a 106–73 secret-ballot vote. Jordan, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, will lead Republicans in the next Congress, when they move into the minority. Speaker Mike Johnson stepped aside from the leadership race. Jordan’s election follows a difficult midterm for Republicans, who lost control of the House to Democrats.
Jordan’s Freedom Caucus Background Helped Define His Appeal
Jordan helped found the House Freedom Caucus, a conservative group known for pushing Republican leaders from the right, and served as its first chairman. His long record as a forceful conservative voice made him a familiar figure in the party. After the election losses, some Republicans wanted a leader who would challenge Democrats aggressively and bring a different style to the job. Jordan’s political approach appealed to members looking for that kind of change.
Tom Emmer Beat August Pfluger to Keep the No. 2 Whip Job
Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer defeated Rep. August Pfluger of Texas in a contest for the Republican whip position. Emmer currently serves as House majority whip; when Republicans move into the minority, he will become minority whip. The whip is the second-highest-ranking role in the minority leadership, placing Emmer directly behind Jordan. Emmer has held a leadership post since Republicans won the House in 2022 and was reelected as whip in 2024.
Jordan and Emmer Will Lead Republicans Under a Democratic House Majority
Jordan will become House Republican leader and Emmer will serve as minority whip when the new Congress begins in January. Their roles will shift as Democrats take control of the chamber: Republicans will no longer set the House agenda, and the new leaders will coordinate their members as they respond to the majority’s legislation and oversight work. Emmer said Republicans would seek to regain voters’ trust and win back the majority in 2028.
