GOP Leaders Face Challenges

House and Senate Republicans meet Tuesday to select their leadership teams after Democrats won a historic midterm victory last week. The elections, held by secret ballot, are already contentious. In the House, a challenge has opened for the minority leader post, while in the Senate, a group of members wants to delay the vote to discuss the loss.

House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana announced he will step down from leadership rather than run for minority leader. His decision triggered a race between Majority Leader Steve Scalise, also from Louisiana, and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio. Both men are allies of President Donald Trump and ran for speaker in 2023. Scalise argues he can unite Republicans against incoming Democratic majorities, while Jordan cites his experience overseeing investigations of the Trump administration. Jordan told colleagues he is “battle-tested on the oversight front and I know the Democrats’ playbook.”

The vote will take place behind closed doors, with candidates pitching their plans starting at 9 a.m. ET. A winner needs a majority of the conference. Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota also faces a challenge from August Pfluger of Texas for the second-highest post. Conference Chair Lisa McClain of Michigan is battling two opponents, including Greg Steube of Florida, who criticized current leadership for choosing “accommodation over conviction.”

In the Senate, Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota faces no formal opponent for the minority leader seat. However, five senators, led by Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, sent a letter to Conference Chairman Tom Cotton of Arkansas asking for a delay. They want to evaluate how candidates plan to lead before voting. Sen. David McCormick of Pennsylvania said the party needs more time to process the results. “We need leadership in place fast, but Tuesday is too soon,” McCormick said.

Democratic leaders face less immediate opposition but are dealing with internal questions. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York is the favorite to become speaker when the new Congress convenes on Jan. 3. He is expected to win the role despite some progressive members remaining undecided on their support. NBC News projects Democrats will hold 259 House seats, giving Jeffries a margin of roughly 40 votes over the 218 needed to win.

In the Senate, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York remains the favorite for majority leader, though Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland is considering a run. House Democrats will elect their leadership team next week, while Senate Democrats will hold their private meeting in early December.

The final leadership teams will set the legislative agenda for both parties as they enter the new congressional term. The elections will determine who holds the gavel and who controls the party whip in both chambers.