Jim Jordan’s election as the next top House Republican leader marks a triumph for the conservative movement he helped build. It also leaves the House Freedom Caucus confronting an unfamiliar question: what role can it play when one of its own leads the party and Republicans are headed into a historically small minority?

Jordan, the Ohio congressman who co-founded the caucus and served as its first chair, won the leadership post Tuesday. The victory comes as Republicans are on track to hold the smallest House minority of any party in more than 30 years, stripping the group of a key source of leverage.

Founded in 2015, the caucus has often used its votes to pressure Republican leaders in narrowly divided majorities. As Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana put it, that power is now “off the table.”

Members say the group can still shape the party’s direction, though perhaps in different ways. Higgins said it would focus on “strategic alignment” to protect conservative gains. Rep. Marlin Stutzman of Indiana envisioned a “think tank model” that supplies information to the broader conference.

Others insist Jordan’s rise does not make the caucus redundant. Rep. Andrew Clyde of Georgia, who is seeking its chairmanship, rejected the idea that the group could be represented by one person. Fellow chairmanship candidate Rep. Eric Burlison of Missouri said members may still need to pressure Jordan, despite their shared goals.

The caucus faces other challenges. Veteran members Chip Roy of Texas, Ralph Norman of South Carolina and Andy Biggs of Arizona lost bids for higher office. Former chair Scott Perry of Pennsylvania lost his seat to a Democrat, while Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert was trailing in her race. The group’s political arm also scored only a handful of midterm victories.

Outgoing chair Andy Harris of Maryland nevertheless predicted membership would grow by the midpoint of the next Congress.

Jordan has sought support from moderates and still considers himself a caucus member, according to a spokesperson. But his new job requires him to lead the entire Republican conference. Rep. Keith Self of Texas said Jordan would remain a friend of the group, even if he could no longer be its direct advocate.

Some members believe the caucus can give Jordan political cover to take conservative positions as he works with President Donald Trump against Democrats. Jordan, meanwhile, says his task is to help Republicans regain the House majority.