Scalise Launches Bid to Lead House Republicans as Jordan Weighs Run

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana is launching a bid to lead House Republicans in the next Congress, Axios reported Wednesday, setting up a possible contest with Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan of Ohio. Fox News and The Hill also reported on the emerging race.

The opening came after Speaker Mike Johnson told his staff that he would not seek the minority leader post following his party’s loss of the House majority in Tuesday’s elections, according to Axios and the Associated Press.

The candidates

A person familiar with Scalise’s plans described him to Axios as a tested leader who is ready on day one and who has spent his career unifying Republicans. Scalise has more than a decade of experience in House leadership.

Jordan, a founder of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, is being floated as a contender and could draw support from the party’s right flank, according to Axios and Fox News.

The two have faced each other before. In October 2023, Scalise defeated Jordan in a closed-door Republican vote to nominate a speaker, but he withdrew a day later after failing to line up enough support for a floor vote. Johnson eventually won the job after weeks of infighting.

Calls for a fresh start

The size of Tuesday’s defeat has prompted some Republicans to call for an entirely new leadership team, which could complicate Scalise’s bid, Axios reported.

Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota is working to keep his post in the minority, the outlet reported. That could leave the loser of a Scalise-Jordan race without an obvious fallback position in the top ranks.

The timeline

House Republicans are scheduled to elect their leaders on Nov. 10, and candidates face a Friday deadline to declare. The winner needs a majority of the conference in a secret ballot.

Lawmakers are also watching whether President Donald Trump endorses a candidate. His backing could prove decisive in a conference that has largely followed his lead.

Why it matters

The next Republican leader will be the party’s chief voice against a Democratic House expected to be led by Hakeem Jeffries. The role will include negotiating spending bills, responding to new oversight investigations of the administration and trying to win back the majority in 2028.

How we reported this

This report is based on information confirmed by the Associated Press or by at least two major news organizations, as noted in the text. Figures from early or partial counts are identified as such and may change. BURN VOC will update this story as new information is released.