House Republicans elected Representative Jim Jordan as their minority leader on Tuesday, while Senate Republicans voted to keep John Thune in his post to lead their conference in the upcoming 120th Congress. The leadership selections come as Democrats prepare to assume power in January.
Jordan secured 106 votes in a closed-door election, defeating outgoing House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who received 73 votes. The vote was a rematch of their 2023 contest for the speakership following the ouster of Kevin McCarthy. Jordan, a former champion wrestler who has represented Ohio in Congress since 2007, built his reputation as a political brawler and a persistent critic of the Republican establishment. His election elevates him to the top leadership position among House Republicans after years of clashing with party leadership. Though both Jordan and Scalise are staunch allies of President Donald Trump, the president chose not to endorse either contender in the race.
In the upper chamber, Thune was reelected by Senate Republicans to serve as Senate Minority Leader. In a statement released on Tuesday, Thune expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their decision. "I appreciated the opportunity to have an open, honest and transparent conversation with my colleagues today, and I am honoured to have their continued trust and support to lead the Senate Republican Conference in the 120th Congress," Thune said. He pledged to work closely with President Trump and House Republicans to advance their shared legislative priorities, adding, "We have important work ahead of us, and I look forward to serving alongside my colleagues on behalf of the American people."
Elsewhere in the House leadership lineup, Representative Tom Emmer was reelected as House Minority Whip, retaining his status as the party's second-highest-ranking member in the chamber. Emmer won a secret ballot vote with 103 votes against Representative August Pfluger's 76. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana, who was not running in the leadership race, received one vote. Democratic lawmakers are scheduled to hold their own leadership elections next week.
