The Ohio Republican will challenge House Majority Leader Steve Scalise for the minority leader position after Speaker Mike Johnson declined to seek another leadership term following Tuesday’s Democratic victories.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) formally entered the race for House minority leader Wednesday, Nov. 4, setting up a contest with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) after Republicans lost control of the House of Representatives in Tuesday’s midterm elections.
Jordan, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and a founding member of the House Freedom Caucus, announced his candidacy in a letter to Republican colleagues, according to Bloomberg Government. His decision followed reports that House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) would not seek to remain the party’s top-ranking member when Democrats assume control of the chamber in January.
“This is a staggering day for our Conference,” Jordan wrote in his letter, according to ABC News. “As we look to the future, we must learn from these results.”
Jordan emphasized his experience conducting congressional investigations and overseeing the Justice Department, arguing that Republicans must prepare for legislative and investigative disputes with the incoming Democratic majority.
“I am battle-tested on the oversight front and I know the Democrats’ playbook,” Jordan wrote.
The leadership contest follows a significant Republican defeat in the Nov. 3 elections, when Democrats secured enough seats to regain control of both the House and Senate. The results ended the GOP’s congressional majorities and prompted questions within the Republican Conference about its leadership and legislative strategy.
Jordan’s candidacy had been anticipated earlier Wednesday, when Fox News Digital reported that two sources familiar with his plans expected him to pursue the position.
Scalise is also seeking the leadership post, according to Axios. His supporters have emphasized his experience managing House Republican operations and coordinating legislative priorities.
The contest marks another leadership confrontation between Jordan and Scalise, who competed for the speakership following former Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s removal in October 2023.
Scalise initially defeated Jordan in an internal Republican vote but withdrew after failing to secure enough support to win the speakership on the House floor. Jordan subsequently pursued the position but also failed to obtain the necessary votes, allowing Johnson to emerge as the eventual compromise candidate.
Johnson served as speaker through a period of narrow Republican majorities and internal disagreements over spending, government funding and legislation supported by President Donald Trump.
His decision to step aside from party leadership was conveyed to staff Wednesday morning, according to Reuters. Johnson is expected to remain in Congress after winning reelection to his Louisiana district.
The leadership election is scheduled for Nov. 10, with candidates required to declare their intentions by noon Friday, Nov. 6. Republicans will select their next leader through an internal secret-ballot vote requiring support from a majority of conference members.
Whoever wins will become the senior Republican in a Democratic-controlled House, directing the party’s legislative opposition, coordinating committee activities and helping develop its strategy for the 2028 elections.
The incoming minority leader will also oversee the Republican response to investigations involving the Trump administration. Democrats have indicated that they intend to expand congressional oversight of the White House, federal agencies and administration officials after assuming control of House committees.
Jordan’s experience leading the Judiciary Committee and participating in high-profile congressional investigations is expected to figure prominently in his campaign, while Scalise’s supporters are emphasizing his years in senior leadership positions.
The contest will determine the direction of House Republican leadership during the final two years of Trump’s presidency, as the party prepares to operate in the minority after losing its congressional majority.
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