Washington, Nov 10.(dpa/GNA) – Republicans in the US House of Representatives, on Tuesday elected Jim Jordan, a pugilistic ally of President Donald Trump, as their next minority leader, following the conservative party’s crushing defeat in last week’s congressional elections.
Representative Mike Johnson, the current House speaker, did not seek another term as the party’s leader. “He’s an honest broker. He’s a good man. He’s a fighter,” Johnson said at a press conference after the vote. “We are ready to dig in for the fight.”
Jordan defeated Steve Scalise, the second-ranking House Republican from Louisiana, by 106 votes to 73, according to US media. Scalise is seen as more moderate than Jordan.
The vote followed calls within the party for a leadership change, after its heavy election losses a week ago. Republicans will face a large Democratic majority in the new Congress, although the precise balance of power remains unclear as vote counting continues. Jordan currently chairs the House Judiciary Committee, and has represented his Ohio district since 2007.
He is one of the Republican Party’s most combative politicians, known for his rapid-fire delivery, staunchly conservative views and vigorous defence of Trump. He unsuccessfully sought the speakership in 2023, losing three votes in the House before fellow Republicans dropped him as their nominee.
Johnson eventually won the post after weeks of turmoil.
As minority leader, Jordan will lead House Republicans, coordinate their legislative strategy, and serve as their chief spokesman in the chamber.
Democratic Representative, Hakeem Jeffries, is poised to become House speaker, when his party takes control of the chamber in January.
Senate Republicans, meanwhile, voted to retain John Thune as their leader. He will become minority leader in the upper chamber when the new Congress convenes in January.
Thune said in a statement after the vote that Senate Republicans “remain united in our commitment to advancing conservative priorities, working with President Trump and our colleagues in the House, and holding the line against Democrats’ efforts to enact their far-left, liberal agenda.”
Thune, who has represented South Dakota in the Senate since 2005, had faced criticism earlier this year for failing to secure a majority for Trump’s Save America Act, a bill to overhaul election rules.
GNA