(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) WASHINGTON, Nov 14 (KUNA) -- House Republicans elected California Representative Kevin McCarthy to lead as minority leader in January, the first time the conservative party has faced a loss of power in eight years.
McCarthy faced off with Jim Jordan of Ohio, 159 to 43 votes.
McCarthy will replace current House Speaker Paul Ryan who will retire at the end of his current term. Majority Whip Steve Scalise was elected minority whip.
It is expected to be a difficult time for Republicans in the House due to an influx of new Democrats who were voted by the public in defiance of President Donald Trump. McCarthy has increasingly sided with the president since he took office.
Although ten contests are still being counted Democrats are projected to win 226 seats and Republicans with 199, according to NBC projections.
Current House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi is vying to reclaim post as Majority leader in a January election but there is growing opposition to her leadership.
In the Senate, Republicans re-elected Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Democrats endorsed Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
A total of 51 seats will be held by Republicans with the Democrats securing 47 seats. The Mississippi senate race remains undecided and will head to a runoff election on November 27. (end) ak.ibi
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