House Speaker Mike Johnson has privately told staff he does not plan to run for minority leader or any other leadership role in the next Congress, according to people familiar with his comments, triggering a scramble among House Republican leadership contenders after their sweeping losses in Tuesday's elections.
Johnson had previously suggested he might step back from leadership or leave Congress as House Republicans’ midterm chances dimmed.
Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio and current Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana are both launching leadership bids on Wednesday, according to the report. Both had previously come up short in speakership bids after the chaotic ouster of Kevin McCarthy, when Johnson eventually emerged as an unlikely consensus pick among House Republicans.
Republicans could see other shakeups further down the leadership chain. Rep. August Pfluger of Texas, currently chair of the Republican Study Committee, announced in a letter to colleagues Wednesday that he would run for the second-ranking position. "We need fresh ideas and a leadership team committed to rebuilding a culture with a clear game plan to win in 2028," he wrote. That sets up a clash with current Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota.
Democrats are not expecting major shakeups among their ranks. Some progressives have threatened to vote against Hakeem Jeffries for speaker, though the report says it is unlikely to derail his ascension.
Before Election Day, Rep. Kat Cammack of Florida had received encouragement from other Republicans about challenging Rep. Lisa McClain of Michigan for conference chair.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- House Republican leadership transition after losing the majority will shape the party's strategy and messaging for the next two years.
- The contest among contenders signals internal divisions and sets the stage for the 2028 presidential campaign.
- Democrats are poised to take control of the House with Hakeem Jeffries expected to become speaker.
Background
Johnson became Speaker in October 2023 after a chaotic process following Kevin McCarthy's removal. He was seen as an unlikely consensus pick among House Republicans after multiple rounds of voting failed to produce a leader.
Key Perspectives
Mike Johnson: Decided not to seek a leadership role in the next Congress.
Jim Jordan: Launching a bid for a top leadership position.
Steve Scalise: Also launching a leadership bid.
August Pfluger: Running for the second-ranking position, calling for fresh ideas and a plan to win in 2028.
Some House progressives: Threatened to vote against Hakeem Jeffries for speaker, though unlikely to prevent his ascension.
What to Watch
- Leadership elections in the coming weeks as Republicans sort out their new hierarchy.
- Whether other candidates enter the race, particularly for lower-ranking positions.
- How the party's election post-mortem affects the leadership contest and preparations for 2028.