House Republicans elected Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, as minority leader on Tuesday, marking the first time a founding member of the House Freedom Caucus has risen to the top leadership post in either party’s congressional conference.
Jordan, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, defeated House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., in a closed-door vote among House Republicans. The final tally was 106-73, according to local and national reports.
In the same round of leadership elections, Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., was reelected House GOP whip, turning back a challenge from Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas.
The vote came about a week after House Speaker Mike Johnson said he would not seek the minority leader post, following heavy Republican losses in the midterms. Separately, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., kept his leadership seat for the next Congress despite opposition from conservative voters and several GOP senators.
Praise from the Freedom Caucus
House Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris, R-Md., praised Jordan’s election in a statement:
“Congratulations to Jim Jordan, House Freedom Caucus founder and former chairman, on being elected House Republican Leader! A fierce fighter, uniter, principled conservative, and relentless advocate for the American people. Jim is exactly the right man for the job to fight back against the radical, crazy agenda of Democrats.”
Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, called Jordan “the original congressional brawler,” saying his elevation to leadership “is exactly what our Conference needs to lead us back to the majority.” Rep. Keith Self, also of Texas, described Jordan as a “bold, courageous, and principled leader … who will fight the Democrats’ communist, anti-American agenda every step of the way.”
A record of oversight fights
As Judiciary Committee chair, Jordan has used his position to investigate what Republicans describe as Democrat-led abuses against conservatives, including Jack Smith’s Arctic Frost inquiry into President Trump and Republicans, alleged Democrat-led censorship of conservative speech, and Biden family corruption allegations.
Jordan now takes on the minority leader role as the incoming House Democrat majority has signaled it will use control of committees to pursue investigations targeting Trump and Republican-aligned figures and businesses.
