The House Republican Caucus today nominated Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California for Speaker of the House, and Whip Steve Scalise for Majority Leader.
McCarthy beat back a challenge from Arizona Republican Andy Biggs. The Republican Party is poised to take a narrow majority when the 118th Congress begins in January, but a handful of races remain too close to call.
The underperfomance of the GOP in the November elections led to speculation that McCarthy might take the fall, possibly leading to Scalise or someone else becoming speaker.
McCarthy won 188-31. Scalise was elected by a voice vote.
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"It has been an honor to fight for the American people as the Republican Whip for these past eight years, and I am humbled to be elected by my colleagues to serve as the Majority Leader in the new Republican-majority House of Representatives," Scalise said afterwards.
Even with a narrow majority, the House GOP will be poised to shape legislation and launch probes of Biden, his family and his administration.
"We will get to work preparing an agenda that is focused on the struggles hardworking families are facing, including passing bills through the House to reduce inflation, lower energy costs, secure the border, and help law enforcement officers get the tools they need to keep our communities safe from rampant crime," said Scalise. "We will also carry out the important oversight necessary to hold the Biden Administration accountable for their actions that undermine our national security and the rule of law."