WASHINGTON, DC (LOOTPRESS) — Reps. Jim Jordan and Steve Scalise are preparing to seek the top House Republican leadership position after Speaker Mike Johnson told staff he would not run for the post in the next Congress, according to CNN.
The leadership contest follows Republicans’ loss of their House majority in Tuesday’s midterm elections. The next Republican leader will head the party’s minority conference when the new Congress convenes in January.
Jordan, the House Judiciary Committee chairman and a close ally of President Donald Trump, plans to run, two people familiar with the matter told CNN. His allies point to his prominent role defending Trump during the two impeachment proceedings of the president’s first term as an asset in the leadership contest.
Scalise, the current House majority leader, is expected to announce his candidacy Wednesday, according to a source familiar with his plans. The source said his primary goal would be returning Republicans to the majority.
Another person familiar with Scalise’s thinking told CNN that members had encouraged him to run and that he would have broad support within the conference. Other candidates could enter the race.
Johnson informed staff of his decision Wednesday morning, two sources told CNN. One source said he had discussed the decision with Trump.
Contests are also taking shape for other Republican leadership positions.
Rep. August Pfluger plans to challenge Rep. Tom Emmer for Republican whip, the party’s second-ranking position in the minority, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Rep. Brian Jack also plans to run for chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, which oversees the party’s efforts to elect Republicans to the House, according to a source.
House Republicans are expected to hold their leadership elections next week by secret ballot.
