House Speaker Mike Johnson quits Republican leadership after midterm loss
Johnson will not seek the Republican minority leader role after Democrats won control of the House.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is stepping aside from Republican Party leadership after the GOP lost control of the House in the midterm election. Johnson will stay in Congress as a regular member from Louisiana.
Johnson won his eighth term. He rose rapidly to the speakership in 2023 after his colleagues removed Kevin McCarthy.
Johnson's time as speaker came during one of the narrowest Republican majorities in modern history. The loss now starts a battle for the new Republican leader.
The race is likely between Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Jim Jordan of Ohio. Both of them wanted the role after McCarthy fell.
Democrats are getting ready to name Hakeem Jeffries of New York as the next House speaker.
- Eighth term, Shreveport-area Louisiana
- Johnson's district terms
- Hakeem Jeffries of New York
- Democratic nominee
- Jan. 3, 2027
- Speaker election date
Why it mattersThe Republican Party's leadership vacuum shows internal conflict. Democrats will control the House in 2027, affecting which laws pass and how government works.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but US House leadership changes influence trade, security policy and diplomatic relations with Australia.
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