Mike Johnson steps down as House Republican leader after midterm losses

House Speaker Mike Johnson will not seek reelection as House Republican leader after the GOP's midterm defeat, according to two people familiar with his decision Wednesday. He will remain a rank-and-file Louisiana House member. Johnson won an eighth term from his Shreveport-area district but faced no path to power after Democrats swept to the House majority. His predictions that Republicans would defy historical midterm trends failed, ending his leadership tenure. House Republicans will elect a new leader next week, likely between Reps. Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan. Democrats are expected to nominate Hakeem Jeffries for speaker, with the election set for Jan. 3, 2027.