House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) told staffers Wednesday he will not seek to remain in GOP leadership after Republicans lost control of the House in Tuesday’s midterms, setting off an immediate scramble to replace him.
Johnson, a staunch Trump ally who had repeatedly predicted Republicans would hold the chamber, acknowledged the disappointing results at an election night event in Louisiana. “It’s very, very difficult to overcome,” Johnson said of the historical trend working against the president’s party.
The Contenders Emerge
Within hours of Johnson’s announcement, two high-profile Republicans threw their hats in the ring: House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH). Scalise, a 12-year veteran of GOP leadership, launched his bid Wednesday morning, while Jordan — a conservative firebrand — informed colleagues of his intentions the same day.
Jordan previously ran for Speaker after Kevin McCarthy’s ouster last year but failed to win over moderates. With many of those members now gone from Congress, Jordan may have a clearer path this time.
Leadership Shakeup Looms
Multiple Republicans told Axios that every member of the current GOP leadership team would likely face challengers following the election outcome. The party conference will hold leadership elections November 10, with candidates required to declare by November 6.
Meanwhile, Democrats are preparing for their own transition as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) is expected to become Speaker in January, though he faces some progressive resistance.
Source: www.dailywire.com — https://www.dailywire.com/news/mike-johnson-wont-lead-the-gop-minority-two-republicans-are-trying-to-replace-him-so-far