Jim Jordan elected Republican leader in the US House of Representatives

Jim Jordan, an ally of President Donald Trump known for his hardline stances, was elected Republican leader in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, defeating his conservative rival Steve Scalles, as the party continues to grapple with the fallout from a stinging defeat in the midterm elections.

Jordan, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and a politician known for his combative style, won the secret ballot with 106 votes to 73, according to U.S. media reports, meaning he will lead the Republican opposition against the Democratic majority over the next two years.

The Ohio congressman will succeed House Speaker Mike Johnson, who stepped down as Republican leader after his party lost control of both chambers of Congress in last week’s elections.

In the U.S. Senate, Republicans re-elected John Thune as their leader, despite calls from some conservative members for accountability following the recent loss.

Jordan had positioned himself as a “fighter” whom Republicans needed to confront Democrats during the final two years of Trump’s term.

Thune said in a statement, “I appreciate that I was given the opportunity to have an open, honest, and transparent dialogue with my colleagues today,” adding that he was honored by their support.

Thune, who will become Senate Minority Leader in January, pledged to work with Trump and counter Democratic efforts to implement their “radical left-wing liberal agenda.”