House GOP elects Jim Jordan as next leader in major shakeup after midterms

Updated on: November 10, 2026 / 4:36 PM EST / CBS News

Washington — House Republicans voted to elevate Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan to lead the party in the next Congress, selecting him over current Majority Leader Steve Scalise following the GOP's crippling losses in last week's midterm elections.

Jordan is a hard-line conservative and close ally of President Trump. His ascension to minority leader represents a significant shakeup for House Republicans, who are looking to rebuild after losing more than 40 House seats.

Tuesday's vote was 106 to 73, sources familiar with the tally told CBS News.

"Over the next two years, House Republicans will fight for American families. 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 said in brief remarks after the leadership elections.

House Speaker Mike Johnson is stepping down from leadership and has been noncommittal in recent days about his long-term future in Congress.

Jordan and Scalise both ran for House speaker after Kevin McCarthy's ouster in 2023, leading to weeks of turbulence in the House. But Jordan and Scalise failed to unite the party's…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/