The House GOP leadership fight is turning into a battle royale

With a Democratic House victory in the books, Republican members of Congress are stepping up for their next fight: winning leadership over their shrunken coalition.

Republicans will relinquish their House speakership to a Democrat come January, likely to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). With Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) retiring after this term, Republicans could easily trade their majority positions for a minority equivalent. That would put House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) atop of the GOP caucus — but not if Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) has anything to say about it.

Jordan launched his candidacy for speaker back in July, presuming Republicans would still lead the House in 2019. Since then, Ohio State University wrestlers have alleged that, as their former coach, Jordan ignored reports that a team doctor was molesting them. That seemingly hasn't deterred Jordan, who denies the claims, as he reaffirmed he'd still run for minority leader in a Wednesday Hill.TV interview. Ryan has indicated support for McCarthy, and Fox News suggests Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) will resume his role on the minority side.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Meanwhile, Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) has announced she'll run for the third-ranking spot as House Republican Conference chair, reports The Washington Examiner. The daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney was encouraged by Republican leaders to aim for the spot, a source told CNN, and it could lead her to a bigger role in the Republican Party.

President Trump hasn't hinted at what Republicans he'd like to see lead the House, but he did give Pelosi a somewhat glowing endorsement on Wednesday morning.