Republicans elect Trump ally Jim Jordan as new US House minority leader

Washington — In a major shift for the Republican Party, House Republicans have chosen Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan to serve as their minority leader for the upcoming Congress, following their substantial losses in the recent midterm elections. Jordan, a staunch conservative and longtime ally of President Trump, edged out current Majority Leader Steve Scalise in a vote of 106 to 73, according to sources familiar with the results.

The selection signifies a substantial turning point for House Republicans, who are striving to rebuild their standing after losing over 40 House seats. Speaker Mike Johnson has announced his intention to relinquish his leadership position, leaving the party's future direction uncertain. Jordan and Scalise, who both vied for the role of House Speaker following Kevin McCarthy's resignation in 2023, failed to garner the necessary support to unite the party's diverse factions.

Jordan, who played a pivotal role in establishing the conservative House Freedom Caucus, has served as the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee since 2023. In his candid letter outlining his aspirations for the role, Jordan emphasized the need for a clear strategy to navigate the current political landscape, stating, "For too long, we have operated without a clear plan to survive the hour or the day in front of us."

This statement comes as Democrats maintain a majority in Congress, presenting a formidable challenge for the GOP. In contrast, Scalise, who has been a prominent figure in House Republican leadership since 2014, revealed in his response letter that he is undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma, a cancer diagnosis he announced in 2023.

Despite his health struggles, Scalise remains committed to serving his constituents and the Republican Party.