Mike Johnson Won't Seek Reelection as House GOP Leader After Dem Sweep, Sources Say
Johnson told staff he would not run to lead House Republicans in the next Congress, sources say. His future plans remain unclear.
House Speaker Mike Johnson will not seek another term as House Republican leader after Democrats won control of the chamber in the midterm elections, according to people familiar with his plans.
The Louisiana Republican told staff members on a Wednesday morning phone call that he would not run to lead the party in the next Congress. Multiple sources described the call. The reported decision concerns the House GOP leadership position, not an announcement that he is leaving Congress.
With Democrats set to hold the majority when the new Congress begins in January, the top Republican would serve as minority leader rather than speaker. Johnson's decision would open that role as the party assesses its election losses.
House Republicans plan to hold their internal leadership elections on November 10. A successor has not been chosen.
Johnson first became speaker in October 2023 after Republicans removed Kevin McCarthy and struggled for weeks to agree on a replacement. He was reelected speaker in 2025.
His longer-term plans remain unclear. The report does not establish that Johnson is resigning the speakership immediately or retiring from his House seat.