Speaker Johnson Makes Shocking Announcement After Midterms

House Speaker Mike Johnson informed staff that he will not seek the position of minority leader in the next Congress. The announcement came after Democrats gained control of the House in the midterm elections, ending Republican majority status.

Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, won reelection in the 4th Congressional District, defeating four challengers. The Associated Press called the race for him. He has represented the northwest Louisiana seat since 2017 and will continue in the House even as he steps back from leadership.

His decision follows an election that returned Democrats to the majority after four years. Johnson had previously indicated he intended to remain the party’s leader even if Republicans lost the chamber. The Wednesday statement removes that option as the conference moves into the minority.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio have emerged as potential candidates to succeed him. Jordan has told allies he expects to run for minority leader. House Republicans plan leadership elections for Nov. 10, with candidates required to declare by noon on Nov. 6.

Johnson spent the final weeks of the campaign traveling to support Republican candidates nationwide. Those efforts did not preserve the narrow majority. The results leave the party facing a return to minority status starting in January.

Johnson became speaker in October 2023 after Kevin McCarthy’s removal led to weeks of internal conflict over a replacement. His tenure included passage of numerous measures and navigation of a slim majority. The post-election announcement closes that chapter as Democrats prepare to take the gavel.

He had told staff on a Wednesday morning call about the decision, according to reporting. The move sets up a competition among remaining GOP members for the leadership role. Johnson’s own constituents returned him to office while the national results shifted power in the House.

The speaker had campaigned extensively in the closing period. Despite those efforts, Democrats captured enough seats to claim the majority. Johnson’s choice not to pursue the minority leader post accelerates the transition process for the conference.

Republicans will select new leadership shortly after the election. The Nov. 10 date allows time for candidates to organize. Johnson’s announcement came hours after the full scope of the losses became clear.

The decision aligns with the reality of minority status. Johnson retains his seat for another term while declining to lead the party in that reduced role. The scramble for his successor begins immediately among House Republicans.