Johnson to Cede House GOP Leadership

House Speaker Mike Johnson will not serve as the top House Republican in the next Congress.

A source familiar with the Louisiana Republican's plans, who was not authorized to speak publicly, confirmed the decision. Johnson served two terms as speaker, taking office after Kevin McCarthy was ousted in 2023.

The move follows a heavy defeat for Republicans in the recent midterm elections. The party lost seats in traditionally red states that the president had previously won. This outcome defied the narrow majorities Johnson managed during his tenure, where a single defection could stall GOP priorities.

In remarks on Tuesday night, Johnson acknowledged the historical weight of the results. He noted that sitting presidents rarely hold or gain seats in their first two-year cycle, a feat accomplished only twice in the last 90 years. Johnson stated that it appeared history would hold true on election night.

Republicans are scheduled to hold leadership elections on Nov. 10. That vote will determine who leads the party as the House minority. The role offers a path for members to organize the opposition in the new session.

The shift in control points to Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York as the presumptive next House Speaker. If elected, Jeffries would become the first Black lawmaker to hold the position. Unlike Johnson, who operated with a razor-thin margin, Jeffries would command a comfortable majority. This margin may allow him to pass priorities even if some members defect.

The Democratic conference includes lawmakers elected with support from the Democratic Socialists of America. These members often advocate for more progressive policies. However, the size of the Democratic majority suggests the new leadership can withstand internal challenges more easily than the previous GOP majority could.