House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) beat back a spirited challenge from Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), the Republican Study Committee chairman, on Tuesday for his leadership post.

Emmer, who has served as GOP whip since January 2023, will be the No. 2 Republican in Congress next year as the party takes the minority. The GOP lost majorities in both the House and Senate in last week’s 2026 midterm elections. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) decided to step down after the result rather than seek another term leading his party, albeit in the minority.

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