Republicans won a majority in the Senate and believe they are on track to maintain their majority in the House. So once the new Congress is sworn in on Jan. 3, 2025, who will be in leadership?
In the House, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is vying to keep the gavel. Johnson wrote a letter to his Republican colleagues in which he laid out their top priorities: secure the border, promote investment through the tax code, prioritize domestic energy production, reduce regulations and expand school choice.
“We will operate from our well designed playbook, and execute those plays with precision, to put points on the board and win for the American people,” Johnson wrote in the letter.
Johnson has the support of President-elect Donald Trump, which is a key advantage. He even got a shout out during Trump’s victory speech.
“I want to thank Mike Johnson, I think he’s doing a terrific job. Terrific job,” Trump said during his victory speech.
With Trump’s support, it will be tough to challenge Johnson. However, Republicans are on track to have a one or two seat majority. If anyone decides to put up a fight like they did with former Rep. Kevin McCarthy in 2022, this could become a true battle.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., is also running to keep his job. He has consistently been elected unanimously to be House Republicans’ number two, there’s no reason to believe that will change.
The biggest question is Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y. She’s the conference chair and if she runs again, she’ll likely win. She is also contending to be the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in the new Trump administration, which would leave an opening.
The Republican congressional leadership elections will take place on Nov. 13.
In the Senate, Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is stepping down as Republican leader after the longest serving tenure in history.
Three lawmakers are running to take his place: Sens. John Thune, S.D., John Cornyn, Texas, and Rick Scott, Fla.
Thune currently serves as the Republican Whip, or the number two. He’s in charge of counting how republicans will vote on certain bills and trying to convince holdouts to support the party’s legislative priorities.
Cornyn previously served as whip but had to step down because he was term-limited.
Scott previously served as the head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the party’s campaign arm. He also challenged McConnell for leader in 2022 but only received 10 votes compared to McConnell’s 37.
Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., will take Thune’s place as whip.
