House GOP Leaders Launch Race For Minority Post After Midterm Losses

Mike Johnson stepped down from Republican leadership, sparking a fierce race between Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan.

Following the loss of their House majority in the midterm elections, outgoing Speaker Mike Johnson announced he will not seek another term as party leader. Senior Republicans Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan quickly launched competing bids to lead the caucus. The sudden vacancy sets up a fierce internal contest for the future direction of House Republicans.

• The contendersHouse Majority Leader Steve Scalise and House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan both announced plans to run for minority leader.
• The historical contextRepublicans failed to defy a century of midterm history, losing control of the lower chamber.
• The leadership timelineMike Johnson informed his staff of his departure shortly after election results confirmed the party defeat.

What's new · 1h agoSenior Republicans Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan officially announced their rival campaigns to succeed Mike Johnson as minority leader.