House Republicans picked Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan as their minority leader Tuesday. He defeated Majority Leader Steve Scalise in a closed-door secret ballot.
Why it matters: Jordan replaces a leadership team that oversaw heavy GOP midterm losses. He co-founded the House Freedom Caucus and is a close Trump ally.
Where they split: Coverage divides on whether Jordan's win mainly signals a more confrontational party or a defense of Trump against Democratic investigations.
Center coverage, 26 sources: The center sees a major leadership shake-up that signals Republican appetite for a more confrontational approach.
Left coverage, 17 sources: The left sees Jordan, whom it calls a prominent MAGA figure, taking charge of a much-diminished party after a blue wave.
Right coverage, 28 sources: The right sees a hungry-for-change conference choosing a proven fighter to defend Trump against Democratic investigations.
What’s next: Republicans were also voting Tuesday on whip, conference chair and campaign chair. Tom Emmer and August Pfluger were competing for whip.
