US House Speaker Mike Johnson Plans to Step Down After Midterm Defeat
US House Speaker Mike Johnson plans to step down as Republican leader following a midterm election defeat that cost his party its majority, triggering a fierce succession race.
US House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, plans to step down as House Republican leader following his party's bruising midterm election defeat, which wiped out the Republican majority in Congress, according to a report by Axios. According to a source familiar with the matter, Johnson informed his staff in a phone call on Wednesday morning that he does not intend to run for minority leader.
Johnson's departure opens a contentious race to succeed him, just days before Republicans are set to choose their new leadership. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio have already been mentioned as potential successors, setting the stage for a fierce power struggle. Johnson's political future remains uncertain, as questions grow over whether he will remain in Congress or leave Capitol Hill entirely after three years as speaker.
Johnson rose to the speakership in October 2023 as a relatively unknown lawmaker following weeks of internal turmoil and the historic ouster of Kevin McCarthy. He spent most of his tenure navigating a razor-thin Republican majority, constant infighting, and rebellions by the conservative wing that frequently paralyzed legislative work. However, he also proved to be a prolific fundraiser and a close ally of Donald Trump.
Despite the defeat, Johnson's move contradicts his public statements, in which he insisted he intended to remain in leadership even if the majority was lost. As the Republican leadership elections approach on November 10, candidates are required to declare their intentions by Friday, with the race to be decided by a secret ballot among party members.
