He's served in Congress since 2008 and has risen to the highest ranks among House Republicans.
House Majority Whip Steve Scalise represents Louisiana's 1st Congressional District, which spans areas outside New Orleans.
On Wednesday, Scalise was among those injured when a gunman opened fire on an early-morning baseball practice attended by Republican members of Congress. He's expected to recover.
Scalise, 51, has deep political roots in Louisiana. Before arriving in Washington, he served in both the Louisiana state House and Senate for more than a decade.
His Louisiana congressional district is reliably Republican. In November, he was re-elected with nearly 75 percent support over his Democratic challenger.
Scalise has been a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump. On Wednesday, Trump offered prayers to the congressman.
Scalise is married and has two daughters.
