House Speaker Mike Johnson to Step Aside After Midterm Defeat

House Speaker Mike Johnson will not run for the top Republican leadership position in the next Congress, according to a source familiar with his plans who was not authorized to speak publicly.

The Louisiana Republican served two terms as speaker after being elected following the 2023 ouster of his predecessor, California Rep. Kevin McCarthy. His departure opens the door for a new leader as the party prepares to manage its status as the minority in the House.

Republicans are scheduled to hold their leadership elections on Nov. 10. During remarks Tuesday night, Johnson acknowledged the historical trend of the president's party losing seats during midterm elections. He noted that it is rare for a sitting president to hold or gain seats in that two-year cycle, saying history appears to be repeating itself tonight.

The recent election results saw Democrats flip seats in traditionally red states that were previously won by the president. This outcome aligns with a long-standing pattern where the majority party faces losses in midterms. Johnson worked closely with the administration during his tenure, managing a narrow majority where a single defection could jeopardize party priorities.

The next presumptive House Speaker, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, will face different leadership dynamics. Jeffries is expected to command a comfortable margin, which may allow him to advance Democratic priorities even if some members vote against the leadership. A handful of lawmakers elected with support from the Democratic Socialists of America aim to push the party further to the left.

Jeffries' election to the speakership would mark a historic milestone, as he would become the first Black lawmaker to hold the position. His leadership will begin as the new Congress convenes, shifting the balance of power in the chamber.