GOP leaders face internal fights as Democrats prepare to take control

House and Senate Republicans will meet on Tuesday to select their new leadership teams following last week's midterm election results.

The elections are being held behind closed doors with secret ballots, a process that allows members to vote without public pressure. Candidates must secure a majority of their respective conference to win their positions.

In the House, Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana has already stepped aside. He announced he will not run for minority leader, clearing the way for a race between Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio.

Scalise argues he can unify the party against incoming Democrats, while Jordan pitches himself as better equipped to handle oversight investigations. Jordan told colleagues he is battle-tested on the oversight front and knows the Democrats' playbook.

Other House positions are also contested. Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota faces a challenge from August Pfluger of Texas for the No. 2 post. House GOP Conference Chair Lisa McClain of Michigan is also facing challenges from Erin Houchin of Indiana and Greg Steube of Florida.

In the Senate, Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota is running for minority leader without an announced opponent. However, a small group of senators, including David McCormick of Pennsylvania and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, has asked for a delay to discuss the election results before voting.

McCormick stated in a statement that the party needs to digest the lessons of the midterms and that Tuesday is too soon for leadership elections. Five other senators sent a letter to Conference Chair Tom Cotton of Arkansas requesting a robust discussion before the votes are cast.

Democrats are also preparing for their leadership transitions. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer are favorites to become the next House speaker and Senate majority leader, respectively.

Jeffries is projected to secure 259 seats in the new House, giving him a large margin of safety. He can afford roughly 40 defections and still win the 218 votes needed to become speaker on January 3.

Senate Democrats will elect their leadership team in a private meeting in early December. House Democrats will pick their team next week. Several progressive members remain undecided about backing Jeffries, but he expressed confidence in reaching the required vote count.