Republicans pick new leader to replace Speaker Mike Johnson

WASHINGTON — House Republicans underwent a shakeup in leadership on Tuesday, electing a new member to lead their party in the minority next year in the absence of House Speaker Mike Johnson, who said he would abstain from the internal elections.

That put Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., against Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, in a race for minority leader that split the conference between an establishment leader and fresh blood.

Jordan defeated Scalise in the secret ballot election, securing 106 votes to Scalise's 73.

Jordan's victory brings an end to Scalise's leadership tenure as the Louisiana Republican has served in some leadership capacity since 2014.

While Scalise leaned on his decade of leadership experience, Jordan pointed to his tenure leading the House Judiciary Committee, noting Republicans would need to use the same offensive tactics in the next election cycle — rejecting that the party use the minority "merely to spotlight how radical this new Democrat Party is."

The victory is also personal for Jordan, who previously ran for speaker in 2023 but failed to secure a majority of the Republican conference.

The Ohio Republican, a close ally of President Donald Trump, now inherits a conference that has been plagued by infighting over the last four years in the majority as he seeks to unify members ahead of the 2028 elections when control of the House will once again be up for grabs.

"When Democrats offer more government, we'll offer more freedom, and we will bring that fight in committee, on the floor, and on the stump every single day," Jordan told reporters following the election.

Moore reelected to leadership position

Utah Rep. Blake Moore was reelected to his leadership position within the House Republican conference, setting himself up to continue as the party's vice chair as they transition into the minority. The Utah Republican ran unopposed.

"We face major political headwinds in the 120th Congress, and it is critical that we hold the line on our hard-won legislative accomplishments," Moore said in a statement. "Our wins for the American people are enduring, and we will defend them as we find solutions to new challenges and push back on harmful proposals. We have work to do, and I'm grateful to be part of it."

Moore will take on the position in January, although he is also vying for the top spot on the House Budget Committee, which likely won't be decided until sometime in December.

If he wins that committee slot, he told the Deseret News he would step down from leadership, reopening the leadership position.

Moore's victory is a sharp contrast from the other party leaders who each saw challenges amid internal unrest stemming from GOP losses in the midterm elections.

GOP conference also picks whip, 2028 campaign lead

Meanwhile, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., defended his position as the top vote-slinger in the party, a position tasked with keeping party members in line on key votes and messaging points. The position serves as a crucial way to shoot down legislation that may divide the majority.

The win serves mainly as a vote of confidence for Emmer, who has served as the party's whip since January 2023. Although his tenure has been marred by several failed procedural votes — something Emmer has said is outside of his purview — the Minnesota Republican has grown closer to Trump over the last two years, strengthening his position within the party.

Rep. Lisa McClain also survived a leadership challenge, maintaining her position as the chair of the House Republican conference.

The conference chair position attracted the most crowded field of candidates, with McClain facing challenges from Reps. Erin Houchin of Indiana and Greg Steube of Florida.

Republicans tapped Rep. Brian Jack to lead the National Republican Conference Committee, replacing Rep. Richard Hudson, who lost re-election last week. Hudson was term-limited, so Republicans were already poised to choose his successor.

The NRCC chairman leads the campaign operation for House Republicans, tasked with helping elect GOP members across the country.

Jack defeated Rep. Rudy Yakym in the race for the position as the party looks to strengthen its electoral posture heading into 2028.

He currently serves as the recruitment chair and was a political director during the first Trump administration. Jack had long been viewed as a strong contender to take over the political committee.

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