House Speaker Mike Johnson Won't Seek Republican Minority Leader Post After Midterm Losses

In brief

• Speaker Mike Johnson will not seek the House Republican leadership post after the party's midterm losses.
• Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan are the leading candidates, with Tom Emmer also possibly running.
• Democrats are set to take control of the House and Senate in January, and the leadership vote could come next week.

Johnson steps aside from leadership race

House Speaker Mike Johnson has decided not to seek the top Republican post in the House once the party moves into the minority in 2027, according to a person familiar with the decision (Джонсон покинет пост лидера республиканцев в Палате — на его место претендуют Джордан и Скализ – NV) (Джонсон отказался возглавлять республиканцев в 2027 году – Charter 97). He told aides of his choice during a Wednesday morning conference call, 4 November, the day after the midterm elections (Klęska republikanów w USA. Jest decyzja Mike'a Johnsona – Wirtualna Polska).

Scalise and Jordan lead the contest

Steve Scalise of Louisiana, who is currently the No. 2 Republican in the House, intends to run for the post, a source familiar with his plans said. Jim Jordan of Ohio, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, is also seeking the job. He has long wanted to lead House Republicans and has already started a campaign, several independent sources said. Tom Emmer of Minnesota, the party's third-ranking House Republican, may also enter the race.

Timing of the vote

The election for the minority leader role could take place as soon as next week, according to reporting by the Wall Street Journal. Democrats are expected to take control of the House and the Senate in January.

Unclear future for Johnson

Johnson did not say whether he plans to remain in Congress after leaving the leadership role.