House GOP votes to keep leaders in place

House Republicans held leadership elections for the next Congress on Tuesday that will largely keep their existing leaders in place following a campaign that saw the party gain seats.

Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), House Republican Conference Chairwoman Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), House Policy Chairman Gary Palmer (R-Ala.) and National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) ran unopposed to remain in their current roles.

Scalise is expected to reappoint Rep. Drew Ferguson (R-Ga.) to serve a second term as chief deputy whip. 

Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) — the current chairman of the Republican Study Committee — was elected to succeed outgoing Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.) as vice chairman of the House Republican Conference.

Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) was elected to succeed Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) — who is seeking to become the top Republican on the House Budget Committee —  as Conference secretary. 

Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.), who previously served as the freshman class representative during the 116th Congress — was reelected by his class to assume the position of sophomore class representative. 

All three ran unopposed for the positions. 

The conference is scheduled to vote on changes to Conference rules and ratify the House Republican Steering Committee on Wednesday. 

During a press conference with other newly-elected leaders, McCarthy congratulated the new members of the team and projected confidence the GOP will wield more influence over the chamber during the 117th Congress due to narrow majority 

“It’s an honor to stand here today with this team supported by our colleagues to lead the Republican Conference in 117th Congress. I want to congratulate Mike Johnson, and Richard Hudson, who is new to our team in representing with the rest of our colleagues,” he said.  

“We might not be able to schedule the floor, but we will run the floor.”

The conference is scheduled to vote on changes to Conference rules and ratify the House Republican Steering Committee on Wednesday. 

This story was updated at 4:49 p.m.