Mike Johnson steps down as House GOP leader after midterm losses

House Speaker Mike Johnson announced Wednesday he will not seek another term as House GOP leader following the party's midterm losses, stepping aside as Democrats are projected to take control of the House in January. Johnson made the announcement on a staff call Wednesday morning, according to a source familiar with the matter. House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan has already declared his candidacy for the role, citing his experience with Democratic tactics, while House Majority Leader Steve Scalise is also considered a likely contender. Republicans plan to hold leadership elections on Nov. 10. Johnson, who became speaker in October 2023 after weeks of internal chaos, had previously said he intended to stay on as leader if Republicans lost the majority.