John Steenhuisen was elected the Democratic Alliance’s federal leader on an interim basis in 2019, following the resignation of Mmusi Maimane from the position. Steenhuisen was formally elected to the post at the party’s federal congresses in 2020 and in 2023.
In February 2026, Steenhuisen announced he would not stand for another term as federal leader. He was succeeded in that post by Geordin Hill-Lewis at the party’s federal congress in April 2026.