Scalise and Jordan Launch Rival Bids to Lead House Republicans as Mike Johnson Steps Aside

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WASHINGTON | November 4, 2026 — House Republicans are entering a leadership contest after their party lost its majority in the 2026 midterm elections. Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana will not seek the position of House minority leader in the next Congress, according to Reuters and other outlets, opening the door for rival bids by Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan.

Johnson informed staff of his decision Wednesday morning, Reuters reported, after Democrats won control of the House. His decision comes amid Republican debate over the causes of the party’s election losses and how best to operate in the minority.

Scalise and Jordan emerge as rivals

Scalise, also of Louisiana, has served for years in senior House Republican leadership. Fox News reported that he has told colleagues he intends to seek the party’s top House post, presenting himself as an experienced organizer capable of rebuilding the majority.

Jordan, an Ohio Republican and chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, is also pursuing the position, according to Fox News. Known for his aggressive oversight style and close alignment with President Donald Trump, Jordan would offer Republicans a different leadership profile as Democrats prepare to control House committees.

The two lawmakers previously sought the speakership during the tumultuous 2023 contest following Kevin McCarthy’s removal. Neither ultimately secured the gavel, which went to Johnson.

Why Johnson is stepping aside

Johnson’s leadership tenure began in October 2023. He subsequently managed a narrow Republican majority while navigating internal disagreements over government funding, legislation and party strategy. Reuters reported that he told staff he would not pursue the minority leadership role following Tuesday’s losses.

His decision not to run for the next leadership position does not itself remove him from Congress or immediately end his current speakership. The next Congress will choose a new speaker when it convenes.

What happens next?

House Republicans are scheduled to hold their internal leadership elections on November 10, with a November 6 deadline for candidates to declare, according to Axios and Bloomberg Government. Unlike the election for House speaker, which involves the full chamber, a minority leader is chosen by members of that party’s conference.

The winner will lead Republican negotiations with the Democratic majority and shape the party’s response to possible investigations, spending fights and the administration’s legislative agenda.

What it means for the Neighborhood

A leadership election in Washington may seem far removed from everyday life, but the minority leader helps determine which proposals Republicans support or oppose and how they approach issues affecting households, including federal spending, health care, housing, jobs and the cost of living.

The Brownstone Bottom Line: The election losses have triggered more than a change in the balance of power. They have opened a debate over the Republican Party’s leadership and strategy heading into the next Congress. Scalise and Jordan are competing for that role, and the decision now rests with House Republicans.