Speaker Mike Johnson to step down from House GOP leadership

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., does not plan to lead House Republicans in the next Congress following a significant shift in voter demographics and subsequent election results, according to reports from Fox News and the New York Post.

Leadership Transition

Johnson revealed his decision during an all-staff call on Wednesday morning, according to two sources told to Fox News Digital. The New York Post reported that multiple sources on Johnson's team told the outlet that he will not vie to be minority leader in the next session of Congress. While Johnson is stepping down from his leadership role, a source told the New York Post that he is currently expected to remain in Congress.

This decision follows the announcement that House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, will mount a bid to be minority leader next year. It is not immediately clear how far in advance Johnson's decision was planned.

Election Results and Projections

The leadership change follows what the New York Post described as a "generational midterm wipeout" for Republicans. According to the Fox News Decision Desk projection, Democrats are projected to win control of the House of Representatives, which would make Hakeem Jeffries the next speaker. The Fox News Decision Desk attributed this projection to a "significant shift among young, independent, rural, and Hispanic voters."

The New York Post reported that Democrats appear poised to clinch one of the largest majorities in the House since the rise to power of former President Barack Obama.

Background of Johnson's Speakership

Johnson's tenure as Speaker began in October 2023, when he ascended to the position following the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. His rise to power followed what the New York Post described as GOP infighting that led to McCarthy's demise. During his time in leadership, Johnson governed one of the slimmest majorities in the history of the lower chamber.

In the period leading up to the Tuesday elections, Johnson "incessantly conveyed optimism about Republicans’ chances of defying history and holding onto the House," according to the New York Post.

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Sources

• foxnews.com: Mike Johnson bows out of leadership in next Congress after midterm losses | Fox News
• nypost.com: Mike Johnson won't run for minority leader after Republicans lose House majority

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.