Mike Johnson steps down as House Republican leader after midterm defeat

US House Speaker Mike Johnson has decided not to run for Republican minority leader in the next Congress following his party's decisive midterm defeat and Democratic takeover of the majority. Johnson informed his staff of the decision Wednesday, according to the New York Post, contradicting his earlier October statements about continuing leadership. Republican lawmakers have criticized current leadership, with Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan and current Majority Leader Steve Scalise emerging as potential successors. Republican leadership elections are scheduled for November 10, with candidate filings closing November 6. Johnson will remain Speaker until the new session begins in January 2027, while Democrat Hakeem Jeffries is poised to become the next Speaker.