House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) confirmed Wednesday morning he will not seek to remain in GOP leadership after his party lost control of the chamber in Tuesday’s midterm elections. His departure sets off an immediate scramble among Republicans to determine who will lead the opposition in the next Congress.
Johnson, a staunch Trump ally who had predicted Republicans would retain their majority, told staffers he would step aside despite earlier signals he might stay on as House Minority Leader. Sources told Axios that Johnson likely would have faced a leadership challenge even if he had tried to hold onto power, with some members blaming the disappointing election results on party leadership.
Scalise and Jordan Jump In
Within hours of Johnson’s announcement, two high-profile Republicans declared their candidacies. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), a 12-year veteran of GOP leadership, officially launched his bid Wednesday morning, according to reports. Simultaneously, Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH)—a conservative firebrand with strong grassroots support—told colleagues he would also run.
Jordan previously attempted to replace ousted Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023 but failed to secure enough moderate support. With many of those members now gone from Congress after primary defeats, Jordan’s path may be clearer this time. Still, Scalise’s deep ties within the conference make him a formidable opponent.
Leadership Fight Ahead
The Republican Conference has scheduled leadership elections for November 10, with candidates required to declare by November 6. The race could expose deepening divisions between the party’s establishment and conservative wings.
Meanwhile, Democrats are preparing for their own transition as they take control of the chamber. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) is expected to become Speaker in January, though he faces some resistance from progressive members pushing for more liberal policies.
Johnson, reflecting on the GOP’s losses late Tuesday, acknowledged the difficult political environment. “It’s very, very difficult to overcome,” he told supporters in Louisiana, noting that presidents rarely see their parties gain House seats in midterm elections. “History will be kept here tonight.”
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