House Republicans are preparing for a leadership contest after losing their majority in the 2026 midterm elections. Speaker Mike Johnson has told colleagues he will not seek the party’s top leadership post in the next Congress, leaving a contest between two familiar figures: current House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan.

The party’s internal leadership election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 10. The winner will lead House Republicans as they move into the minority when the new Congress begins in January 2027.

Why Mike Johnson is stepping aside

Johnson, a Louisiana Republican who became speaker in October 2023, led a narrow GOP majority through a turbulent period. After Democrats won control of the House in the midterms, Johnson told staff that he would not run to become minority leader. He is expected to remain a member of Congress representing his district.

His decision opens the door to a new leader at a moment when Republicans are debating how to respond to the election results, rebuild support, and decide how aggressively to challenge the incoming Democratic majority.

Steve Scalise makes the case for experience

Scalise, also from Louisiana, has served as House majority leader and held senior leadership positions for years. In his pitch to colleagues, he has emphasized tested leadership, party unity, and listening to voters about issues such as Social Security and Medicare.

His supporters can argue that his experience navigating the House gives Republicans a steady hand during a difficult transition. The challenge will be convincing colleagues that continuity is the right answer after a major electoral setback.

Jim Jordan argues for a tougher opposition role

Jordan, an Ohio Republican and chair of the House Judiciary Committee, has highlighted his experience with investigations and oversight. He is closely associated with the party’s conservative wing and has argued that Republicans need a leader prepared to confront the incoming Democratic majority and defend the Trump administration against congressional scrutiny.

The contest reflects different approaches within the Republican conference: whether to emphasize institutional experience and party coordination or a more combative oversight strategy. Both candidates have sought the speaker’s gavel before, making this another significant test of their standing among House Republicans.

What the new minority leader will have to do

Whoever wins will have less power to set the House agenda than the majority party, but the role remains influential. The minority leader organizes the caucus, shapes the party’s public message, coordinates strategy on legislation, and decides how to respond to hearings and investigations led by Democrats.

Republicans will also need to determine how to work with the incoming majority while rebuilding a message that can compete in the 2028 elections. Their choices on oversight, spending, and negotiations could affect how much legislation moves through Congress over the next two years.

What happens next?

House Republicans are expected to vote internally on November 10. Until that vote is complete, neither Scalise nor Jordan should be described as the next minority leader. The outcome will provide an early indication of how the party wants to position itself after its midterm losses.

Sources

• Reuters — U.S. House Speaker Johnson will not seek minority leadership post (November 4, 2026).
• The Washington Post — Two House Republicans battle to lead the party’s diminished ranks (November 7, 2026).
• CBS News — Speaker Mike Johnson won’t seek another term as House GOP leader after midterm losses (November 4, 2026).