Jim Jordan elected House Republican minority leader following midterm losses

Representative Jim Jordan, an Ohio Republican, has been elected to lead House Republicans as minority leader in the upcoming 120th Congress. Fox News, Axios and PBS all reported his election following recent midterm wins by Democrats, who will take control of both congressional chambers in January. Fox News stated that Jordan defeated House Majority Leader Steve Scalise in a secret ballot vote by a tally of 106 to 73. [1][3][4][11]

According to Fox News, Jordan pledged during an appearance on Hannity to maximize the Republican legislative agenda while the party retains its majority in Congress before the Democratic transition. Fox News quoted Jordan as saying that Republicans must use their remaining time in the majority before Democrats take control of the lower chamber next year. [1]

Fox News reported that Steve Scalise, a Louisiana Republican who serves as the second-ranking House Republican, declined to say if he will serve a full term in the 120th Congress following the leadership vote. Scalise stated that he has not made a decision about his future and needs to navigate the remaining weeks of the current session. [4]

Jordan has represented Ohio's 4th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives since 2007. He was elected to serve as House Republican Minority Leader on November 10, 2026, ahead of the 120th Congress convening on January 3, 2027. [12]