House Republicans are gearing up for leadership elections in the next Congress, with Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, and Majority Whip Tom Emmer all running for their current roles uncontested. National Republican Congressional Committee Chair Richard Hudson is also seeking another term.
However, the No. 5 and No. 6 House GOP leadership positions are expected to see competition. Three representatives, Erin Houchin, Kat Cammack, and Lisa McClain, are vying for the House GOP conference chair role, as Rep. Elise Stefanik will not be running for re-election due to her appointment as ambassador to the United Nations.
Additionally, there are two contenders for the House GOP policy committee chair position: Kevin Hern and Gary Palmer. Hern, who is term-limited for leading the Republican Study Committee, has been actively campaigning for the role.
Despite the lack of challengers for the top leadership positions, Speaker Johnson will need to secure the support of hard-line Republican skeptics to win the gavel again in the House-wide vote for speaker in January. With Republicans expected to maintain a slim majority, Johnson must navigate potential dissent to ensure a smooth election process.
Overall, the House Republican leadership elections are poised to shape the direction of the party in the upcoming Congress, with key positions up for grabs and potential challenges to the status quo.
