WASHINGTON (AURN News) — House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana won reelection but will not seek to lead House Republicans in the next Congress. Following the GOP’s election losses, Johnson told staff Wednesday that he will not run for minority leader.
Democrats have captured the House majority, putting Hakeem Jeffries in position to become speaker when the new Congress votes in January.
Johnson’s decision opens another Republican power struggle. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio are competing to lead the party’s House members.
Johnson became speaker in 2023 after Republicans removed Kevin McCarthy and struggled to agree on a replacement. Now he’s expected to remain in Congress without a leadership post.
For President Donald Trump, the bigger consequence is losing a Republican-controlled House that helped advance his agenda. Democrats will gain control of committees and the power to investigate his administration.
