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Scalise and Jordan face off in House leadership battle as GOP reels from blue tsunami
Republican lawmakers are preparing to choose new leaders after a major midterm defeat, with Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan competing to lead House Republicans in the next Congress. The contest comes as Democrats are expected to investigate President Trump and his allies, while Republicans debate how to respond to voters’ rejection of the party.
Scalise is highlighting his experience in senior House leadership since 2014, while Jordan is presenting himself as an outsider and fighter; the two previously competed for the top House job in 2023. In the Senate, Ron Johnson and several colleagues have called for delaying the leadership vote, but it is still expected to proceed after a Tuesday meeting to reflect on the losses. John Thune said Republicans need to absorb voters’ message and rebuild, while Mike Johnson has not said whether he will remain in Congress.
In short
- Scalise and Jordan are competing to lead House Republicans.
- Some senators want to delay their leadership vote.
- Thune says Republicans need to learn from the midterm losses.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Scalise’s supporters can argue that after a major defeat, House Republicans need an experienced leader who knows the conference and can organise it through expected investigations and difficult negotiations. His time in senior leadership may help rebuild coordination and turn voters’ message into a workable agenda.
The case against
Jordan’s supporters can argue that the scale of the defeat calls for a clear break with the party’s existing leadership approach. His outsider and fighter image may better signal that Republicans have heard voters’ concerns and are prepared to challenge the direction that contributed to the loss.