Steve Scalise warns GOP to prepare for Democratic 'retribution'

Scalise then told congressional leaders to prepare for those efforts by compiling planned and likely investigations they expect the Democrats to pursue.

By Ben Whedon

Published: November 5, 2026 1:27pm

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise on Thursday warned Republicans to prepare for "retribution" from the Democrats when they claim the majority in the next Congress.

Scalise is seeking to lead the Republicans as minority leader next year, but faces a challenger in Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio. Accordingly, his messaging on how to navigate a Democratic majority will likely be a factor in the leadership contest.

In a letter to committee chairmen on Thursday that Fox News obtained, he warned that "although [the Democrats] ran on affordability, it is clear the main focus of their new majority will be retribution and unleashing countless witch hunts under the guise of 'oversight.'"

Scalise then told congressional leaders to prepare for those efforts by compiling planned and likely investigations they expect the Democrats to pursue.

He also told them to identify potential targets for Democratic lawfare and to familiarize themselves with recent Supreme Court decisions on issues relevant to oversight.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.