Mike Johnson declines House GOP leadership bid after midterm losses

House Speaker Mike Johnson will not seek the House Minority Leader role after Republicans lost the House in the midterm elections, with Representative Jim Jordan reportedly planning to run for the position. Johnson's decision opens a leadership contest among Republicans as they prepare to transition to the minority. Jordan, an Ohio Republican and Trump ally, is expected to bid for the role to lead the party's strategy against the incoming Democratic majority. The minority leader serves as the party's chief spokesperson and coordinator of opposition. Johnson became Speaker in October 2023 after Kevin McCarthy's removal, holding the position through the 2024 cycle when Republicans kept the majority.