Speaker Johnson to resign after GOP midterm defeat
Stepping down after five days in office post-election, Johnson clears the way for a contest between Scalise and Jordan.
By Justin Brooks ·
House Speaker Mike Johnson will not seek re-election as the Republican leader of the House following the party's substantial losses in Tuesday's midterm elections. CBS News reported on Wednesday that Johnson informed his staff of the decision during a morning conference call. The move ends his bid to retain the gavel after Republicans ceded control of the chamber.
Two prominent Republicans have already signaled their intent to take over the leadership. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio sent letters to their GOP colleagues on Wednesday outlining their platforms. Scalise stated that his primary objective is to win back the majority and hold himself accountable to that mission. He added that the party must be effective in oversight and legislative battles while presenting a clear and optimistic vision for America.
Jordan characterized the election results as a staggering day for the conference. He argued that the group has operated too long without a clear survival plan and that such tactics will not suffice against an emboldened Democrat majority. Jordan asserted that he understands the Democratic playbook and knows what it will take to lead the conference in the minority while maintaining unity and coordinating responses.
Johnson's decision reverses comments he made in October. In an interview with CBS News, Johnson said he intended to remain in his leadership role even if Republicans lost their House majority. He noted that he expected colleagues to ask him to continue leading the conference even in a divided government. However, in a separate interview with Fox News, Johnson suggested he might return to his hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana, and potentially start a lawn business if he lost the majority.
Johnson was first elected speaker in October 2023 after the removal of Kevin McCarthy, the first speaker in U.S. history to be ousted. He was reelected in January 2025 with 218 votes, which was the minimum number required to secure the position in that specific vote.
House Republicans are scheduled to hold leadership elections on November 10, one week after the midterm elections. Candidates must declare their intentions by Friday, according to Axios.
