House Republicans lock in leadership positions for next Congress

House Republicans on Wednesday locked in their top leadership positions for the looming 119th Congress, as the conference readies its majority to legislate under full GOP control of Washington.

For the leading job, GOP lawmakers unanimously nominated Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to retain the gavel, sending his candidacy to the House floor for a full vote in January.

The House will hold a floor vote on Jan. 3 to elect a Speaker.

Behind Johnson, Republicans reelected Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) as majority leader, Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) as majority whip, and Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) as chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee.

The group also elected Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) to be House GOP conference chair on a 146-67 vote, filling the post that will be vacated by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) when she departs the House to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

President-elect Trump nominated Stefanik — the highest-ranking Republican woman in Congress — to serve as ambassador earlier this week, his first administration pick from the House. It remains unclear when Stefanik plans to resign from the lower chamber.

The race for conference chair emerged as the most contentious leadership contest this cycle, with around a half-dozen contenders announcing bids for the newly opened position. Republicans selected Rep. Blake Moore (R-Utah.).

For chair of the House Republican Policy Committee, members elected Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.).

And for House Republican Conference secretary, the group selected Rep. Erin Houchin (R-Ind.) to serve in the post.