Jim Jordan elected House Republican leader after party's midterm defeat

Republicans in the US House of Representatives on Tuesday elected conservative Jim Jordan as their minority leader for the next Congress, following the party's losses in last week's midterm elections, according to a report by Punchbowl News. Jordan, an Ohio Republican who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, was elected in a secret ballot held behind closed doors, defeating current Majority Leader Steve Scalise. He secured 106 votes against Scalise's 73, sources familiar with the tally told CBS News.

Jordan's elevation marks a leadership change for House Republicans as they prepare to rebuild after losing more than 40 seats, handing Democrats sizeable majorities in both the House and Senate in the November 3 midterm elections. A hardline conservative and close ally of President Donald Trump, Jordan helped establish the conservative House Freedom Caucus and has chaired the House Judiciary Committee since 2023.

In a letter outlining his candidacy, Jordan said the party needed a clearer strategy to counter the incoming Democratic majority. "For too long, we have operated without a clear plan to survive the hour or the day in front of us. That will not cut it against an emboldened and energetic Democratic majority," Jordan said, describing himself as "battle-tested."

Jordan and Scalise had both contested the House speakership following Kevin McCarthy's ouster in 2023, triggering weeks of uncertainty within the Republican conference. Neither could initially secure enough support to unite the party's various factions. Mike Johnson, then a relatively little-known conservative without leadership experience, eventually secured unanimous support to become Speaker. Johnson is now stepping down from his leadership position and has remained noncommittal about his long-term future in Congress.

Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are also meeting to decide their leadership team for January, with current leader John Thune of South Dakota expected to secure another term. Some Republican senators have called for a delay in the final vote to allow the party to discuss the outcome of the midterm elections.