Champaign County resident and Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan has been elected to lead House Republicans as the party prepares to lose control of the U.S. House following last week’s midterm elections.
Jordan, who represents Ohio’s 4th Congressional District, defeated Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise in a closed-door vote Tuesday.
The final vote was 106 to 73.
Jordan will take over as House Minority Leader when the new Congress begins in January, replacing the current Republican leadership.
Jordan has served in Congress since 2007 and currently chairs the House Judiciary Committee.
He is also a founding member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus.
Before the vote, Jordan told fellow Republicans the party needs to stay united and work together as it prepares to serve in the minority.
He also said Republicans will need to closely monitor the incoming Democratic majority and challenge policies they disagree with.
Scalise, who currently serves as House Majority Leader, also sought the position but finished behind Jordan in the vote.
Jordan previously ran for House Speaker in 2023 after Kevin McCarthy was removed from the position.
He was unable to secure enough support, and Mike Johnson was eventually elected Speaker.
Jordan will now lead House Republicans as they prepare for the next session of Congress in January.
