Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan was elected to lead Republicans in the minority after Democrats thumped them in last week's midterm elections. 

His ascent teed up an internal civil war as Jordan sought to oust the establishment pick - current Majority Leader Steve Scalise - who was also vying for the top job. 

Scalise is tightly tied to current Speaker Mike Johnson, who declined to seek another leadership run. But after the midterm bloodbath, many lawmakers wanted a shake-up at the very top. 

Jordan ultimately won with 106 votes, toppling Scalise by over 33 to win the secret-ballot election.

The congressman - who led the GOP counter-effort during Trump's first two impeachment efforts by Democrats - won't shy away from boldly defending the president and his family from a wave of future investigations.

With Democrats back in power, Trump will spend the final two years of his second term fending off corruption investigations, battling legislative gridlock, and he may also face a third impeachment crisis. It is not the way he wanted to end his time in office. 

Jordan promised a 'fight' during the closed-door meeting, with even some Scalise allies privately acknowledging that the message appeared to be swaying members after the party's midterm defeat. 

The Ohio firebrand has long set his sights on a leadership position. He ran against former Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2018, but lost after multiple ballots. He also ran for speaker in 2023, but lost to Mike Johnson.

The contest became a test of whether Republicans wanted a fresh approach after their election bloodbath or believe Scalise's years of leadership experience offer the best chance of winning back the majority in 2028.

Speaking ahead of the vote, Scalise said he was 'feeling really good' about his chances.

'We've got a lot of work to do after today, but this is a start of our move to get the country back on track and to get the majority back,' Scalise said.