Mike Johnson Won’t Seek House GOP Leadership After Midterm Losses

WHO:

NBC News Politics - Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana and House speaker, told staff he would not run for minority leader.

NBC News Politics - Four people on the staff call were cited as sources for Johnson’s decision.

Deadline - Hakeem Jeffries, the House minority leader for four years, is in line to become the next speaker.

WTNH - House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, a Republican from Louisiana, was identified as a possible participant in a fight over the party’s future leadership.

Fox News - Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan were described as likely to enter a “brutal battle” for minority leader and to be Trump’s top defender.

Fox News - Jim Jordan was described as mounting a bid for minority leader.

CBS News Politics - A source familiar with the matter said Johnson told staffers he would not run for minority leader.

WTNH - Two GOP staffers were cited as sources for Johnson’s announcement.

WHAT:

NBC News Politics - Johnson said he would not run for minority leader after Democrats won the House majority.

Drudge Report - The headline stated that Johnson would not stay on as Republican leader.

Deadline - Johnson would not remain Republican leader when Democrats take control of the chamber.

CBS News Politics - Johnson would not seek a new term as House GOP leader in the new Congress.

NBC News - Johnson told staff in a phone call that he would not remain Republican leader in the new Congress.

Fox News - Johnson would not lead House Republicans in the next Congress.

Deadline - Democrats were expected to hold a majority of around 75 seats.

WHERE:

NBC News Politics - Johnson made the announcement during a phone call with staff.

WTNH - Johnson made the announcement on a staff call.

NBC News - Johnson told staff during a phone call.

WHY:

NBC News Politics - Johnson’s decision followed Democrats’ winning the House majority.

Deadline - The leadership change followed Democrats’ blowout victories and their expected control of the chamber.

WTNH - Republicans were reacting to an election defeat described as seismic.

Fox News - The House had fallen to Democrats after historic midterm losses.

HOW:

NBC News Politics - Johnson communicated his decision to staff in a phone call, according to four sources on the call.

WTNH - Johnson announced his decision on a staff call, according to two GOP staffers.

(UPDATED November 4, 2026 17:04 UTC)

House Speaker Mike Johnson told staff he will not lead Republicans in the next Congress. Democrats won the House majority, setting up a change in party leadership. Hakeem Jeffries is in line to become speaker, while Republicans weigh successors.