Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) heads to a meeting with House Republicans to elect party leadership for the 120th Congress at the U.S. Capitol on November 10, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Jim Watson | AFP | Getty Images
Republican lawmakers on Tuesday elected Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio and Sen. John Thune of South Dakota to be minority leaders of the House and Senate, respectively, for the next Congress.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jordan was elected by a vote of 106-73, a person familiar with the matter told MS NOW on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed session. He defeated Representative Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana), who is currently the House majority leader.
Jordan, who has served in the House of Representatives for 20 years and is an avid supporter of President Donald Trump, will take on a leadership role as Republicans relinquish control after Democrats won landslide victories in last week’s midterm elections.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) announced the day after Election Day that he will not run for minority leader in the 120th Congress.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to have an open, honest and transparent conversation with my colleagues today, and I am honored to have their continued trust and support to lead the Senate Republican Conference in the 120th Congress,” Thune said in a statement.
“I’m proud of what this Republican team has accomplished together. We remain united in our determination to advance conservative priorities, work with President Trump and our colleagues in the House, and thwart Democratic efforts to enact far-left and liberal policies,” Thune said in a statement.
“We have important work ahead of us, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to serve on behalf of the American people.”
