Indiana Rep Houchin jumps into GOP House leadership race, vies for No. 4 spot

After Republicans lost both chambers of Congress, House Speaker Mike Johnson said he would not seek to remain the party's leader in the lower chamber, setting off a leadership battle.

By Ben Whedon

Published: November 5, 2026 12:00pm

Updated: November 5, 2026 12:40pm

Rep. Erin Houchin will challenge fellow Republican Rep. Lisa McClain, of Michigan, for the chairmanship of House GOP leadership.

House Speaker Mike Johnson reportedly does not plan to run for the top spot, House minority leader, after his party lost te chamber majority Tuesday night, though he has not publicqlly said so.

Houchin announced her campaign for the spot in a letter to fellow lawmakers, saying "[w]hile we’ve been knocked down, we are ready to get back in the fight," The Hill reported.

McClain is seeking to keep her spot. Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan are set to compete for the position of minority leader in the next Congress.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.