Jordan emerges as potential next GOP leader if Dems seize House

House GOP leadership set for major shakeup if Democrats take control in 2024

Washington, D.C. – As the 2024 midterm elections approach, House Republicans are already eyeing a possible reshuffling of their top leadership ranks, should the Democratic Party win a majority in the chamber. A series of internal conversations, conducted anonymously with Fox News Digital and other outlets, suggest that Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, and Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan are all potential candidates for new roles, depending on how the vote turns out.

The stakes are high

The Republican Party’s narrow 218‑217 majority has been tested by a number of high‑profile investigations, impeachment probes, and partisan battles. Several GOP lawmakers said they do not expect the current leadership team to stay intact if the Democrats gain a majority. “I don’t see a scenario where everyone keeps their job,” one Republican told Fox News Digital. “I think Speaker Mike Johnson would be first out, and then Steve Scalise has to decide whether he’s going to run for leader and if he can beat Jim Jordan.”

The conversation underscored that the party’s future leadership will hinge on the results of the November vote. The Republicans estimate that Democrats could win between 20 and 25 seats, a loss that would trigger a “bloodbath” in the conference and prompt a leadership contest.

Jim Jordan: a possible minority leader

Jim Jordan, the Ohio Republican who has been a vocal champion of former President Trump, is frequently mentioned as the leading name for a GOP minority leader. One source described him as “Jim Jordan 2.0,” noting that he has been “building out way beyond the Freedom Caucus” and has gained a high level of name recognition among the base. “His celebrity status is very helpful…when he comes to town you put 300 butts in seats,” the same GOP lawmaker said.

Jordan has spent much of the summer campaigning across the country, supporting fellow Republicans from vulnerable moderates to staunch MAGA candidates. While he has not publicly pursued a leadership position since his 2023 bid for speaker, several GOP insiders say he has quietly built an infrastructure that could support a minority leader run. “He’s just trying to help us win,” another insider added.

Steve Scalise and Mike Johnson

The potential of a leadership contest between Scalise and Jordan is complicated by the fact that Scalise has been a long‑time ally of Speaker Johnson and has previously led the majority. “It’s very obvious they’re both jockeying for it,” a fourth GOP lawmaker said. The same individual noted that Scalise may be the “best candidate” due to his experience dealing with the administration and negotiating across the aisle.

Speaker Johnson himself has dismissed speculation about a leadership race. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, he stated, “I really haven’t given it a moment’s thought because we’re laser focused.” He is widely expected to step aside if the Republicans lose the majority, though some GOP members view him as a likely candidate for the minority speaker if the Democrats take control.

Tom Emmer’s plans

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, of Minnesota, has signaled his intention to run for the whip position again, regardless of the election outcome. “If there is a race, I think Tom’s happy being the No. 2,” one insider said. Emmer’s steady presence in the conference has helped keep a degree of continuity amid the uncertainty.

August Pfluger on the sidelines

The chairman of the Republican Study Committee, August Pfluger of Texas, is also mentioned as a potential leadership contender should the opportunity arise. While he has not publicly announced a run, insiders say he is “tactically quiet” and could pursue a leadership or National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) chair position if the circumstances demand it.

The road ahead

Republican lawmakers across the country warn that a loss of 20 to 25 seats would expose a leadership vacuum. “Everyone I’ve talked to sees the same numbers—if you’re in something less than an R+6, you’re at risk,” a third GOP lawmaker told Fox News Digital. In such a scenario, the party may need to re‑elect a speaker, appoint a new minority leader, and potentially re‑structure its internal hierarchy.

With the midterms just months away, the House GOP leadership’s future remains uncertain. While some members are preparing for the possibility of a new minority leadership, others are braced for a “bloodbath” that could reshape the party’s direction in Washington. The outcome will depend largely on the November vote and the resulting balance of power in the House of Representatives.