House Republicans began a rapid leadership shakeup after Speaker Mike Johnson told staff he would not seek the minority leader post, according to a source familiar with the decision. Within hours, House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana announced their candidacies for the top GOP role in the chamber.

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The contest between Jordan and Scalise centers on whether Republicans want a leader known for aggressive oversight or one focused on rebuilding party resources. A GOP staffer told the Daily Signal that "Jim Jordan [is] a little bit more of a fighter than a Scalise," while Scalise is seen as a stronger fundraiser. "We definitely got to rebuild things, and in order to rebuild them, you got to have money," the staffer said.

The leadership races follow Republicans' loss of control in both chambers, setting the stage for internal debates over strategy and priorities as the party prepares for the next Congress. The outcome will shape how Republicans respond to the new Democratic majority and position themselves for future elections.

House Leadership Contests

Jordan and Scalise previously faced off for the speakership in October 2023 after Rep. Kevin McCarthy was ousted, though neither secured the gavel. In their opening letters to colleagues, Scalise highlighted his experience on tax cuts, appropriations, and fundraising, referencing former President Donald Trump multiple times. Jordan, by contrast, emphasized his oversight credentials and did not mention Trump by name. Trump told reporters he would not get involved in the race.

Further down the ballot, Republican Study Committee Chairman August Pfluger of Texas is challenging Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota for the No. 2 House GOP spot. Pfluger argued in his letter to colleagues that Republicans "need fresh ideas and leadership team committed to rebuilding a culture with a clear game plan to win in 2028," and said the conference had "missed many opportunities." Emmer, the incumbent, wrote, "We lost and I take that personally."

Other races include Rep. Erin Houchin of Indiana challenging Conference Chair Lisa McClain of Michigan, and Reps. Rudy Yakym of Indiana and Brian Jack of Georgia competing to lead the National Republican Congressional Committee after Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina lost his seat.

House Republicans will elect their leaders on Nov. 10. Candidates must declare by Friday, according to Axios. Incoming freshmen will be on Capitol Hill for orientation between Nov. 8 and 18, overlapping with the leadership elections.

Senate GOP Dynamics

In the Senate, Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota is running unopposed to remain the chamber's top Republican. Majority Whip John Barrasso of Wyoming is expected to seek the No. 2 role. Senate Republicans are scheduled to vote on Nov. 10 at 9 a.m. in the Old Senate Chamber.

Thune's relationship with Trump has been strained, particularly after the SAVE America Act, a priority for the president, stalled in the Senate. Tensions became public in July when then-White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president's patience with Thune was "running out." However, a Senate aide told the Daily Signal that Thune and Trump spoke on Wednesday and "have a good relationship and talk frequently."

Not all Senate Republicans are backing Thune. One GOP staffer said, "After such a stunning rebuke, sleepwalking back to D.C. to hand the reins back to John Thune is outrageous. It would prove every Republican-turned-Democrat voter right," adding that a growing coalition of senators shares this view. Another Senate aide disputed the existence of significant opposition to Thune. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, who previously challenged Thune, has said he is not running for leader.

Democrats Prepare for Leadership Votes

On the Democratic side, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has announced his candidacy for speaker, pledging to oppose Trump's agenda and deliver "dramatic change" for Americans. If elected, Jeffries would become the first black House speaker. House Democrats are expected to choose their leaders on Nov. 18 or 19, with the full House voting for speaker when the new Congress convenes Jan. 3.

Incoming progressive Democrats Darializa Avila Chevalier of New York and Melat Kiros of Colorado, both endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, have said they will use their speaker votes to push for progressive priorities. One GOP staffer told the Daily Signal, "I'm thinking he's willing to do whatever it takes to become speaker," referring to Jeffries.