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Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio and then-House Republican Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana, seen in a 2019 photo, faced off in a battle for Republican leadership in the House Tuesday. (Mark Wilson / Getty Images)

Breaking: House Republicans Elect New Leader to Replace Mike Johnson

By Randy DeSoto November 10, 2026 at 1:24pm

Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio defeated current House Majority Leader Steve Scalise to become the Republican leader as the GOP prepares to go into the minority in January.

Jordan, who is the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, bested Scalise on a secret ballot, 106-73, the Associated Press reported.

Jordan, 62, is the co-founder of the House Freedom Caucus and is known for taking a more aggressive stance toward the Democrats.

Then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi barred Republicans from picking him to serve on her Jan. 6 committee in 2021.

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Rep. Jim Jordan R-OH will be the new House GOP Leader in 2027. He defeats Rep. Steve Scalise R-LA

— Jamie Dupree (@jamiedupree) November 10, 2026

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Current House Speaker Mike Johnson announced last week that he would not seek the position of House minority leader in the next Congress, according to ABC News.

A vote for Scalise, who was one of Johnson’s top deputies, would have been seen as in favor of the status quo.

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Axios reported, “Scalise is pitching himself as the steady hand who can lead Republicans back to the majority, leaning on his decade of experience in leadership.”

Meanwhile, “Jordan is casting himself as the candidate for change, tapping into frustration among Republicans who believe last week’s devastating losses demand a shake-up at the top.”

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Congratulations Jim Jordan, House Minority Leader-elect. https://t.co/UyM5LOro0a

— House Republicans (@HouseGOP) November 10, 2026

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Axios noted that both President Donald Trump and Johnson have stayed on the sidelines, not endorsing any candidates for the leadership roles.

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Randy DeSoto

Contributing Journalist

SummaryMore Biographical InformationRecent PostsContact

Randy DeSoto has written more than 4,000 articles for The Western Journal since he began with the company in 2015. He is a graduate of West Point and Regent University School of Law. He is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths" and screenwriter of the political documentary "I Want Your Money."

@RandyDeSoto

Randy DeSoto wrote and was the assistant producer of the documentary film "I Want Your Money" about the perils of Big Government, comparing the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. Randy is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths," which addresses how leaders have appealed to beliefs found in the Declaration of Independence at defining moments in our nation's history. He has been published in several political sites and newspapers.

Randy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a BS in political science and Regent University School of Law with a juris doctorate.

Birthplace

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Nationality

American

Honors/Awards

Graduated dean's list from West Point

Education

United States Military Academy at West Point, Regent University School of Law

Books Written

We Hold These Truths

Professional Memberships

Virginia and Pennsylvania state bars