House Republicans face split over minority leader choice after election losses

House Republicans are divided on their path forward after suffering major losses in the recent elections. Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana informed staff on a call on Wednesday that he will not seek the position of minority leader. His decision opens a contested race for the top leadership role between House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana and House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan of Ohio.

Lower-ranking leadership positions are also up for grabs. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota and House GOP Conference Chair Lisa McClain of Michigan intend to keep their current roles. Emmer faces a challenge from Republican Study Committee Chair August Pfluger of Texas. Representatives Erin Houchin of Indiana and Greg Steube of Florida are running against McClain for the conference chair slot.

Conservative members argue that the party needs new faces to sharpen its message and counter the Democratic agenda. One anonymous GOP lawmaker told The Hill that reusing the same team that led to the recent defeats would make the party look foolish. That member said leaders failed to communicate the party's accomplishments and presented an overly optimistic view of the midterm prospects.

The same lawmaker noted that voters saw the party focused on name, image, and likeness policy and cryptocurrency reform instead of improving daily lives. As a result, voters concluded the party did not care about them. A second anonymous member went further, stating, "We need all new leadership, top to bottom." That member argued the current team sidelined key bills and drifted from conservative values to placate moderates.

Representative Anna Paulina Luna of Florida criticized leadership on X. She accused the current team of blocking her efforts regarding a stock trading ban, a ban on central bank digital currency, and Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act reform. Luna wrote, "Let the reckoning begin."

Jim Jordan, a co-founder of the House Freedom Caucus, has gained support from members who want a combative leader. One anonymous lawmaker compared the upcoming period to a wartime situation where the party acts as a rebel alliance. That member said Jordan knows how to fight in that environment. Other members support Scalise because of his experience in leadership roles.

Scalise previously won the Republican nomination for Speaker in a 2023 secret ballot over Jordan. He withdrew that race when it became clear he lacked the votes on the House floor. Jordan was later nominated but repeatedly failed to secure the gavel. A third anonymous GOP member stated, "Steve is the right guy for the job. Plain and simple."

Not all members blame the leadership team for the election results. One anonymous lawmaker placed responsibility on President Trump, citing the Epstein files controversy and the war with Iran. That member said, "I don't blame the man at the top. I mean, I blame the man at the top. I don't blame leadership." The member added that leaders were dealt a really bad hand.

Retiring Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska called the 2026 midterms a referendum on President Trump. Bacon said swing voters wanted Congress to act as a check on the president but did not see that happen. President Trump told reporters on Wednesday that he would stay out of the race to choose the new House Republican leader following Johnson's announcement.

Lawmakers remain split in the whip and conference chair contests. Some members back the incumbents, while others support the challengers. Internal votes on these positions are still ahead.