Who Is the Speaker of the House
The Speaker of the House is the presiding officer of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Speaker is elected by House members at the start of each new Congress and typically serves as the leader of the majority party.
As of early 2026, the Speaker is the member who holds the majority support of House Republicans or Democrats after the most recent election cycle. The role is defined by House rules, precedent, and party conference elections.
What the Speaker Does
The Speaker sets the legislative agenda, decides which bills reach the floor, and appoints members to committees. The Speaker also represents the House in negotiations with the Senate and the White House, and is second in the presidential line of succession.
In practice, the Speaker shapes debate rules, manages floor time, and works with party leadership to build coalitions for votes. The position influences fiscal policy, government funding, and oversight priorities.
How the Speaker Is Chosen
The Speaker is chosen by a majority vote of the full House at the start of a new Congress. Members usually vote along party lines, and the majority party nominates its candidate before the vote. If the Speaker leaves office mid-term, the House elects a replacement.
For current details on the Speaker of the House and the latest leadership changes, see the official U.S. House of Representatives website.
