Republicans pick Jim Jordan as House leader; Democrats press Schumer

· Politics · United States

House Republicans elected hardline Trump ally Jim Jordan as their minority leader on Tuesday, defeating Steve Scalise 106-73 in a secret ballot, after the party lost both chambers of Congress in last week's midterms. Ohio's Jordan succeeds Mike Johnson, who declined to run, and promised unity and robust opposition. Separately, John Thune overcame critics to win another term as Senate Republican leader. On the Democratic side, senators including Bernie Sanders said they would not back Chuck Schumer for Senate Democratic leader, voicing discontent after sweeping midterm victories that sparked calls for bolder action. House Democrats also plan to investigate Trump's handling of spy agencies.

Why it matters:New leaders on both sides set the tone for divided government, oversight of the White House and the 2028 presidential race.

Key points

  • Jordan beat Scalise 106-73 in a secret ballot.
  • Thune won another term as Senate GOP leader.
  • Sanders and other Democrats oppose Schumer as leader.

Sources (original reporting)

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