House Speaker Mike Johnson announced Wednesday he will not seek to remain as House Republican leader following the party’s losses in the midterm elections, clearing the way for a leadership contest within the GOP.
Johnson informed his staff in a Wednesday morning call that he would not run for minority leader in the next Congress, according to multiple sources cited by Reuters, NBC News, and CBS News. The announcement comes after Democrats secured a projected majority in the House, with at least 250 seats won in Tuesday’s elections.
Johnson’s decision follows a wave of Republican defeats, including losses in competitive districts and traditionally safe seats. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan are now positioned as leading candidates to succeed Johnson, with an internal GOP leadership election scheduled for November 10.
-- Immediate Aftermath and Leadership Vacuum --
Johnson, who became speaker in October 2023 after the ouster of Kevin McCarthy, had previously indicated he intended to remain in leadership if Republicans retained the House. In an October 8 interview with Fox News, he suggested he might return to his hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana, to start a lawn business if the party lost control. Johnson stated in a Tuesday night address that serving as speaker had been “the honor of my life.”
The GOP’s narrow 218-214 majority prior to the election made party discipline a persistent challenge for Johnson, who navigated internal divisions while advancing key legislation. CBS News projected Democrats would take control of the House in January with a wide majority, though final seat counts remained under review.
-- Potential Successors and Intraparty Dynamics --
Steve Scalise, a Louisiana Republican with over a decade in House GOP leadership, has signaled his intent to run for minority leader. In a pitch to colleagues, Scalise emphasized his goal of “leading the conference back into the majority” and framed himself as a unifying figure prepared for legislative and oversight battles. Scalise previously sought the speakership in 2023 but withdrew before a chamber-wide vote.
Jim Jordan, an Ohio Republican and chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, is also expected to announce a bid. Jordan, known for his aggressive oversight efforts, has spent recent years moderating his public image to broaden his appeal within the conference. His candidacy could set up a contentious primary, as some moderates have criticized his past leadership style, including allegations of aggressive tactics during the 2023 speaker race.
-- Republican Response and Future Strategy --
Johnson, a prominent ally of Donald Trump, struck a defiant tone in remarks to supporters Tuesday night, attributing Republican losses to Democratic policies he described as “socialist Marxist.” He warned that such ideologies had historically led to “human suffering and misery,” and vowed that Republicans would continue pursuing their agenda despite the setback.
“While the outcome of this midterm is not what we’d hoped and fought for, a new battle is just beginning,” Johnson wrote on social media. He added, “Come 2028, we WILL fight back and take our country back.”
-- What Comes Next for House Republicans --
With Democrats set to control the House, the incoming minority leader will face the challenge of organizing opposition to Democratic priorities while preparing for the 2028 elections. The GOP’s losses extended beyond the House, as Democrats also gained control of the Senate, according to projections.
Republicans plan to hold their leadership elections on November 10, one week after Election Day. The new minority leader will inherit a conference divided over strategy, with some members advocating for aggressive oversight of the Biden administration and others prioritizing messaging and electoral preparation.
Johnson’s departure marks the end of a three-year tenure as speaker, during which he navigated a fractious majority and sent several bills to the Senate, though the upper chamber was less productive. His decision not to seek re-election to leadership leaves a significant void in the party’s structure as it transitions to minority status.