Mike Johnson won't continue as House Republican leader after Democrats reclaim majority: Sources

WASHINGTON, DC: House Speaker Mike Johnson will not seek to remain the top Republican leader in the House of Representatives after Democrats reclaimed control of the chamber in the Tuesday, November 3, midterm elections, opening a contest to lead the party in the minority. 

Johnson on Wednesday, November 4, reportedly informed staff of his decision during a private call, a day after Republicans suffered significant losses in House races. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan have already entered the race to replace him.

Mike Johnson steps aside after Republicans lose House majority

Johnson reportedly announced his decision on a private call with staff, according to people who participated in the conversation. The republican speaker also told them that he had spoken with President Donald Trump before making the announcement, according to reports.

In a letter to Republican colleagues, Johnson described serving as speaker as the “greatest professional honor” of his life and said deciding not to run for minority leader had not been easy. He cited the demands of the leadership position and the time it required from his family as factors in his decision.

“After three years in this role, I believe the time has come for me to give them more of the attention and presence they so richly deserve,” he said. “I make this decision with a heart full of gratitude and an abiding sense of pride in what we have accomplished together.”

Johnson also highlighted legislative achievements during his tenure, including border security measures and tax cuts, which Republicans secured while operating with a narrow House majority. He said he would continue to value the relationships and political battles from his time leading the conference.

The Louisiana Republican, who won re-election to his House seat on Tuesday, is expected to remain in Congress next year. However, he has not clarified whether he intends to serve his full two-year term or leave the House before it ends.

Scalise, Jim Jordan enter race as Republicans face calls for leadership reset

Scalise on Wednesday also announced his candidacy for minority leader in a letter to Republican colleagues. The Louisiana Republican, who currently serves as House majority leader, said that the party needed to examine the reasons behind its election defeat and rebuild its position.

“Last night’s election was far worse than any of us expected. We fought hard and left it all on the field, but clearly, we were unable to defy history,” Scalise wrote. “We will need to be honest with ourselves about what happened, but it is more important now than ever for us to emerge from this stronger because the stakes couldn’t be higher.”

Jordan, an Ohio Republican and prominent conservative, also told colleagues he would seek the leadership position. In his letter, he highlighted his experience overseeing investigations and said he was prepared to respond to scrutiny from Democrats once they take control of the chamber.

“I know the Democrats’ playbook. I know what it will take to lead our Conference in the minority, to stay unified and calibrate our response to the Democrats’ tactics,” Jordan said. “We need a Leadership team that is active and engaged, forward-thinking and straight-shooting.”

Republicans are scheduled to hold their internal election for minority leader on November 10. Lawmakers have until Friday, November 6, at noon to declare leadership candidacies.