Mike Johnson steps down as House Republican leader after election losses

House Speaker Mike Johnson will not remain as Republican leader in the next Congress following Tuesday's election losses, according to a source familiar with his plans. The Louisiana Republican served two terms as speaker. Johnson's decision opens the top House leadership role for the minority, with Republicans scheduled to hold leadership elections on Nov. 10. He acknowledged the historic difficulty of his party retaining the House, noting it has happened only twice in 90 years. Johnson worked closely with the Trump administration and managed a razor-thin majority where even one defection threatened GOP priorities. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York is presumptive next speaker, which would make him the first Black lawmaker in that position.