Steve Scalise

Steve Scalise
Born	Stephen Joseph Scalise 6 10, 1965
Birthplace	New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Politician
Known for	House Majority Leader, surviving the 2017 Congressional baseball shooting
Education	Louisiana State University (B.S.)
Website	[Official Congressional Website Official site]

Stephen Joseph Scalise (born October 6, 1965) is an American politician serving as the House Majority Leader of the United States House of Representatives since January 2023 and the U.S. representative for Louisiana's 1st congressional district since 2008. A member of the Republican Party, Scalise has risen through the ranks of House Republican leadership over a career spanning more than two decades in elected office, beginning in the Louisiana House of Representatives and advancing through the Louisiana State Senate before winning election to Congress. He served as House Majority Whip from 2014 to 2019 and as House Minority Whip from 2019 to 2023, becoming the first Louisianian to serve as majority whip since Hale Boggs held the position from 1962 to 1971. In June 2017, Scalise was shot and critically wounded during a practice for the annual Congressional Baseball Game, an event that drew national attention and prompted widespread discussion about political violence in the United States. After months of treatment and rehabilitation, he returned to Congress in September 2017. His district encompasses much of the suburban areas surrounding New Orleans, including Metairie, Kenner, and Slidell, as well as a portion of New Orleans itself.

Early Life

Stephen Joseph Scalise was born on October 6, 1965, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He grew up in the New Orleans metropolitan area in a family of Italian American descent. His father, Alfred Joseph Scalise, was a longtime resident of the Jefferson Parish area.

Scalise was raised in the suburbs of New Orleans, an area that would later form a significant portion of the congressional district he came to represent. The region, situated along the southern shore of Lake Pontchartrain, has historically been a stronghold of conservative politics in Louisiana, particularly in Jefferson Parish and St. Tammany Parish.

Growing up in this environment, Scalise developed an interest in politics and public service at a relatively young age. The New Orleans metropolitan area's unique political culture—shaped by its diverse ethnic communities, its proximity to the petrochemical industry, and its vulnerability to natural disasters—would go on to inform much of Scalise's policy focus throughout his career.

Education

Scalise attended Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. His background in technology and systems engineering distinguished him from many of his political contemporaries and later informed his interest in technology policy and innovation in Congress. Scalise has maintained a connection to LSU throughout his career, returning to the university on multiple occasions as a speaker and public figure.

Career

Louisiana State Legislature

Scalise began his political career in the Louisiana House of Representatives, where he served three terms representing a district in the New Orleans suburban area. During his time in the state legislature, he focused on issues relevant to his constituents in the greater New Orleans region, including fiscal conservatism and opposition to tax increases.

Following his service in the Louisiana House, Scalise served a brief stint of approximately four months in the Louisiana State Senate. His time in the state senate was relatively short, as he soon set his sights on a seat in the United States Congress.

Election to Congress

In 2008, Scalise won election to the United States House of Representatives, representing Louisiana's 1st congressional district. The district, which covers much of the northern and eastern suburbs of New Orleans—including Metairie, Kenner, and Slidell—as well as parts of New Orleans proper, is a solidly Republican constituency. Scalise has won reelection to the seat in every subsequent election cycle, typically by substantial margins.

Upon entering Congress, Scalise quickly established himself as a conservative voice within the Republican caucus. He aligned with the party's fiscally conservative wing and became an advocate for energy policy favorable to Louisiana's oil and gas industry, a critical component of the state's economy.

Chair of the Republican Study Committee

From January 2013 to August 2014, Scalise served as chairman of the Republican Study Committee (RSC), the largest caucus of conservative members within the House Republican Conference. He succeeded Jim Jordan of Ohio in the role and was succeeded by Rob Woodall of Georgia. As RSC chairman, Scalise helped set the conservative policy agenda within the House and served as a bridge between the party's leadership and its more ideologically driven members. The position gave him a platform to influence legislation on fiscal policy, government spending, and other issues central to the conservative movement.

His tenure as RSC chairman elevated his profile within the Republican Conference and positioned him for a run at a formal leadership post.

House Majority Whip (2014–2019)

On June 19, 2014, Scalise's Republican colleagues elected him House Majority Whip, the third-highest position in the House Republican leadership hierarchy. He assumed office on August 1, 2014, succeeding Kevin McCarthy, who had moved up to the position of House Majority Leader.

Scalise's election as majority whip carried historical significance for Louisiana. He became the first member of Congress from the state to hold the position since Hale Boggs, who represented Louisiana's 2nd congressional district and served as majority whip from 1962 to 1971.

As majority whip, Scalise was responsible for counting votes and ensuring that Republican members supported the party's legislative agenda on the House floor. The role required extensive relationship-building and negotiation skills, as the whip must track the positions of individual members and work to secure the necessary votes for passage of key bills. Scalise held the majority whip position throughout the remainder of the 113th Congress and the entirety of the 114th and 115th Congresses.

During his time as majority whip, Scalise was involved in efforts to advance the Republican legislative agenda under Speaker Paul Ryan. This included work on tax reform, healthcare legislation, and appropriations bills.

2017 Congressional Baseball Shooting

On June 14, 2017, Scalise was shot and seriously wounded while practicing with the Republican team for the annual Congressional Baseball Game for Charity at a baseball field in Alexandria, Virginia. The gunman, James T. Hodgkinson of Belleville, Illinois, opened fire on the Republican lawmakers and their staff during the early morning practice session.

Hodgkinson, who was described as having strong left-wing political views and harboring intense hostility toward Republican politicians and President Donald Trump, had traveled to the Washington, D.C., area and had been living out of his van in the weeks prior to the attack. He was shot and killed by U.S. Capitol Police officers who were present at the practice as part of Scalise's security detail in his capacity as majority whip. Several other people were also wounded in the attack, including a Capitol Police officer and a congressional aide.

Scalise was struck in the hip, and the bullet caused severe damage to internal organs and significant blood loss. He was transported to MedStar Washington Hospital Center, where he underwent multiple surgeries. His condition was initially reported as critical, and he spent weeks in the hospital recovering from his injuries.

The shooting prompted an outpouring of bipartisan support for Scalise and the other victims. Members of both parties condemned the violence and called for unity. The annual Congressional Baseball Game was played the following day as scheduled, with both teams dedicating the game to Scalise and the other wounded individuals.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the shooting and its classification of the attack drew scrutiny. In 2021, the FBI changed its designation of the shooting following a complaint from Representative Brad Wenstrup of Ohio, who had been present at the practice and had rendered medical aid to Scalise.

Scalise returned to the House floor on September 28, 2017, more than three months after the shooting. His return was met with a standing ovation from members of both parties. In remarks on the floor, Scalise expressed gratitude to the Capitol Police officers, first responders, medical professionals, and colleagues who had supported his recovery.

House Minority Whip (2019–2023)

Following the 2018 midterm elections, in which Democrats won a majority in the House, Scalise transitioned from majority whip to House Minority Whip, serving under Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. He held this position from January 3, 2019, to January 3, 2023.

As minority whip, Scalise's role shifted from advancing the majority's legislative agenda to organizing opposition to the Democratic majority's proposals and maintaining unity within the Republican Conference. During this period, the House was led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Scalise was active in Republican messaging and opposition strategy on issues including impeachment proceedings against President Trump, COVID-19 pandemic response legislation, and economic policy.

In 2017, Scalise had become the dean of the Louisiana congressional delegation following the retirement of Senator David Vitter.

House Majority Leader (2023–present)

After Republicans regained control of the House following the 2022 midterm elections, Scalise was elected House Majority Leader, the second-highest position in the House leadership. He assumed the role on January 3, 2023, succeeding Democrat Steny Hoyer, who had held the position when Democrats were in the majority.

As majority leader, Scalise has been responsible for scheduling legislation on the House floor, coordinating the party's legislative priorities, and serving as a key liaison between the Speaker and the Republican Conference. He works alongside Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Whip Tom Emmer in the House Republican leadership team.

In his role as majority leader, Scalise has been involved in advancing legislation on a range of issues. In 2026, he has been active in promoting the SAVE America Act, which he described as legislation intended to strengthen election integrity. He has also supported legislation related to consumer protections and home appliances, framing it as a response to regulatory actions taken by the prior administration's Department of Energy.

Scalise has also been a prominent voice on foreign policy matters. In February 2026, he discussed Iran's nuclear program in media appearances, stating that Iran was not finished "trying to create a nuclear weapon" amid reports of potential U.S. military action. He has appeared on national television programs including CBS Mornings and Face the Nation as a spokesperson for the House Republican majority's positions.

In November 2025, Scalise released the 2026 legislative calendar for the House, outlining the schedule for the second session of the 119th Congress.

2023 Speaker of the House Candidacy

In October 2023, following the historic removal of Speaker Kevin McCarthy through a motion to vacate the chair, the Republican Conference held an internal election to select a nominee for Speaker. On October 11, 2023, Scalise defeated Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio to win the Republican nomination for the speakership.

However, Scalise was unable to consolidate the 217 votes needed to win the speakership on the House floor. A number of Republican members indicated they would not support his candidacy in a full floor vote, making it impossible for him to secure the necessary majority. After approximately one day of attempting to gather support, Scalise withdrew from the race on October 12, 2023. The speakership ultimately went to Mike Johnson of Louisiana after further rounds of deliberation within the Republican Conference.

Personal Life

Scalise resides in the New Orleans metropolitan area in the district he represents. He has spoken publicly about his Catholic faith and its role in his life, particularly during his recovery from the 2017 shooting.

In November 2025, Scalise honored his longtime chief of staff, Brett Horton, with remarks on the House floor celebrating Horton's service in his office.

Scalise has also maintained involvement in community and educational initiatives in his district. In December 2025, he announced the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for Louisiana's 1st congressional district, recognizing a student from Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies in Jefferson, Louisiana.

The 2017 shooting had a profound and lasting impact on Scalise's life and public profile. He has spoken extensively about his recovery, which involved multiple surgeries and lengthy rehabilitation, and has used his experience to advocate for the Capitol Police and first responders. His return to the House floor on September 28, 2017, was one of the most widely covered events in Congress that year.

Recognition

Scalise's survival of the 2017 shooting and his subsequent return to Congress were recognized as acts of resilience in the face of political violence. His recovery drew bipartisan praise, and his return to the House floor was met with sustained applause from members of both parties.

As the first Louisianian to serve as House majority whip since Hale Boggs, Scalise's rise through the Republican leadership hierarchy has been noted as a restoration of Louisiana's influence within the House of Representatives after decades without a member in a top leadership position.

His nomination as the Republican candidate for Speaker of the House in October 2023, though ultimately unsuccessful, demonstrated his standing within the Republican Conference as a figure capable of commanding significant support among his colleagues.

Scalise has been a frequent presence on national television as a representative of House Republican leadership, appearing on programs such as CBS Mornings and Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan to discuss legislative priorities and policy positions.

Legacy

Steve Scalise's career in the U.S. House of Representatives, spanning nearly two decades, has placed him among the most prominent Republican legislators of his era. His ascent from a state legislator in Louisiana to the second-highest position in the House Republican leadership reflects both his political skills and the broader trajectory of conservative politics in the American South.

His survival of the 2017 Congressional baseball shooting remains a defining event in his public life and in the broader national conversation about political violence in the United States. The shooting, carried out by an individual motivated by partisan hostility, served as a stark reminder of the physical dangers that can accompany public service. Scalise's recovery and return to Congress have been cited by members of both parties as an example of determination in the face of adversity.

As House Majority Leader during the 119th Congress, Scalise plays a central role in shaping the Republican legislative agenda and coordinating the party's strategy in the House. His position places him at the intersection of policy development and political management, responsible for translating the priorities of the Republican Conference into legislative action on the House floor.

Scalise's career has also restored Louisiana to a position of prominence within the House leadership structure, a status the state had not held since the era of Hale Boggs in the 1960s and early 1970s. With both the Speaker of the House (Mike Johnson) and the Majority Leader (Scalise) hailing from Louisiana during the 119th Congress, the state has attained a level of representation in the House leadership that is unusual for any single state.