Scalise easily wins another term in the House

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) is projected to easily win another term in the House as all eyes look toward which Republican will lead their conference early next year, according to Decision Desk HQ.

Scalise, who represents Louisiana’s 1st Congressional District, defeated a small handful of challengers, including several Republicans, for the seat, which encompasses the northeastern corner of the state.

Under Louisiana’s election system, all candidates running for the same office are placed on the same ballot on Election Day, regardless of party affiliation. A candidate needs to win at least half of the vote in order to avoid a runoff against the second-place finisher.

Scalise has served in the House since 2009; the district went to former President Trump in 2020 by 38 points.

Republicans are waiting to see how the election — and control of the House majority — shakes out. Scalise previously ran for House Speaker after former Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) was ousted from the Speakership last year, but he later dropped his bid amid concerns over whether he could gain enough support.

All eyes are watching to see whether Scalise makes another bid. Other Republicans could include House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.).