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Jim Jordan becomes new House GOP leader after closed-door vote, defeating Steve Scalise
Jim Jordan won the House Republicans’ secret-ballot vote for minority leader, defeating Steve Scalise in a contest that followed major Republican losses in the midterms. His victory signals a change in the party’s congressional leadership and puts a prominent supporter of Donald Trump in a leading role as Democrats prepare investigations of the president’s administration and interests.
Jordan received 106 votes to Scalise’s 73. Tom Emmer beat August Pfluger by 103 votes to 76 for minority whip, while Lisa McClain held on to her conference chair position. The vote included incumbent Republicans and members-elect projected to win their races; Mike Johnson had already said he would step aside from House leadership.
In short
- Jim Jordan won the House GOP minority leader vote.
- He defeated Steve Scalise by 106 votes to 73.
- Tom Emmer won the minority whip contest.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Jordan’s supporters could argue that the result gives Republicans a clear change in leadership after substantial midterm losses, and that his prominence and close alignment with Trump may help unite voters and hold the party’s administration to account. A secret-ballot majority chose him over Scalise, giving his leadership a mandate within the conference.
The case against
Scalise’s supporters could argue that a leadership transition after electoral losses should prioritise broad appeal and party cohesion, and that replacing him with a more polarising figure risks alienating voters and deepening internal divisions. They may also question whether Jordan’s close association with Trump will help Republicans scrutinise the administration impartially.
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