House leadership is elected every two years at the beginning of a new Congress. The Speaker of the House is elected by the entire membership of the House, and other majority party and minority party leaders are selected by members of each party's delegation. The Republican Conference is the formal organization of Republican Members in the House; the Democratic Caucus is the formal organization of Democratic Members.
Republican Leadership
Rep. Paul D. Ryan
Elected by the entire membership of the House of Representatives, the Speaker presides over the House as its administrative head and serves as the leader of the majority party in the chamber.
Rep. Kevin McCarthy
Elected by the Republican Conference, the Majority Leader helps plan the legislative agenda for the House and schedules legislative business.
Rep. Steve Scalise
Elected by the Republican Conference, the Whip maintains communication between party leadership and members, builds Member support for the leaderships priorities, and informs and mobilizes Members on voting on key legislation.
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers
Elected by the Republican Conference, the Chairman presides over conference meetings.
Rep. Luke Messer
Elected by the Republican Conference, the Policy Committee Chairman helps formulate and promote Republican policy initiatives.
Democratic Leadership
Rep. Nancy Pelosi
Elected by the Democratic Caucus, the Minority Leader directs the partys legislative strategies and operations and serves as a spokesperson for the minority party.
Rep. Steny H. Hoyer
Elected by the Democratic Caucus, the Minority Whip maintains communication between party leadership and members, builds Member support for the leaderships priorities, and informs and mobilizes Members on voting on key legislation.
Rep. James E. Clyburn
Elected by the Democratic Caucus, the Assistant Democratic Leader works with congressional caucuses and is the leadership liaison to the Appropriations Committee.
Rep. Xavier Becerra
Elected by the Democratic Caucus, the Chairman presides over caucus meetings.
Historical Leadership Information
Speakers of the House (1789
to present)
Majority Leaders
(1899 to present)
Minority Leaders
(1899 to present)