Steve Scalise is the House Majority Leader and represents Louisiana’s 1st Congressional District. Known as a staunch fiscal and social conservative, he has long been a power broker within the Republican Conference, combining establishment experience with populist messaging.
A former chair of the conservative Republican Study Committee, Scalise has built a reputation as a strategic operator and fundraiser with deep ties to the party’s right flank. He played a key role in shaping GOP tax and energy policy, while also maintaining influence in leadership circles.
Scalise survived a near-fatal 2017 congressional baseball shooting and has often spoken publicly about faith, resilience, and gratitude for law enforcement. His leadership reflects both institutional discipline and a willingness to engage populist themes on spending, energy, and culture.
Mainstream Conservative
Achievements
- Elected House Majority Leader (2023) after years of serving in Republican leadership.
- Longtime champion of pro-energy policies supporting Louisiana’s oil and gas industry.
- Helped draft and advance GOP tax-cut and deregulation agendas in multiple Congresses.
- Advocate for balanced budgets, domestic manufacturing, and stronger border security.
- Respected within the conference for party discipline and message coordination.
Controversies
- Criticized for past association with hard-right figures and groups early in his career.
- Accused by Democrats of blocking bipartisan spending and disaster-relief compromises.
- Sometimes faulted by populist allies for maintaining ties to establishment donors.
- Viewed by some moderates as too rigidly conservative on social and fiscal issues.
Top Donors
| Donor | Total | Individuals | PACs |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Israel Public Affairs Cmte | $473,758 | $463,758 | $10,000 |
| National Assn of Realtors | $164,500 | $157,500 | $7,000 |
| Valero Energy | $56,580 | $56,580 | $0 |
| Ochsner Health System | $49,286 | $49,286 | $0 |
| Cornerstone Government Affairs | $38,850 | $38,850 | $0 |
The organizations themselves cannot donate; totals reflect contributions from individuals and PACs affiliated with each entity.