House Speaker Mike Johnson announced on November 9 that he would not commit to serving out his full term in the 120th Congress following the Democratic Party’s sweeping victories in the November 3 midterm elections.
Johnson, who had already ruled out seeking minority leadership in the upcoming Congress, addressed reporters during a news conference held at 6:30 p.m. ET on the election results. His remarks came as Democrats secured control of both chambers, flipping 44 House seats and winning key Senate races in traditionally Republican states, including Texas, Iowa, and Kansas.
The speaker’s decision not to commit to his leadership role follows his earlier comments expressing regret over the Republican Party’s losses. In a separate interview with CNN’s Manu Raju, Johnson stated, “I’m sorry that the voters made the wrong choice.” He also predicted that the next two years would be marked by “chaos” under Democratic leadership, though he did not specify his own future plans beyond the current term.
Johnson’s refusal to commit to remaining in his position adds to the uncertainty surrounding the Republican Party’s strategy in the wake of the midterm defeats. The 254 Democratic House members and 164 Republican members reflect the party’s new majority, with Democrats exceeding the three-seat threshold needed to gain control. Additionally, historic wins included Gina Hinojosa as the first Latina governor of Texas and Keisha Lance Bottoms as Georgia’s first Black woman governor.
The speaker’s remarks have drawn attention to the broader implications for the 120th Congress, which is set to convene in January 2025. While Johnson did not provide further details on his intentions, his statements underscore the shifting political landscape following the midterm elections.