Mike Johnson Steps Down as House Republican Leader After Midterm Defeat

House Speaker Mike Johnson has told aides he will step down as Republican leader following the party's midterm defeat, ending his three-year leadership tenure. Johnson, who won reelection in Louisiana, will not seek the minority leader post in the new Congress, saying the move will allow a new generation of Republican lawmakers more room to grow. The GOP lost at least 21 House seats, handing Democrats the majority. A leadership contest has begun, with Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan expected to announce bids, while Whip Tom Emmer and Texas Rep. August Pfluger may also run. Johnson first became speaker in 2023 after Kevin McCarthy's ouster.