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1h ago

Johnson Steps Aside as House GOP Seeks New Leader

His decision triggers a Nov. 10 conference vote that will pick the GOP's chief defender of President Trump, set oversight priorities, shape the party's 2028 strategy.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 30: U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks to reporters after passage of a Department of Homeland Security funding bill, on April 30, 2026 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. The Department of Homeland Security has been shutdown for weeks as a funding patch is worked out between House and Senate Republicans. (Photo by Graeme Sloan/Getty Images)
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Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, speaks during a campaign event, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2016, in Sterling Heights, Mich. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., departs after speaking during a campaign rally at the Five Flags Event Center, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, in Dubuque, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Overview

  • House Speaker Mike Johnson told staff on Wednesday that he will not run to lead House Republicans in the minority after the party's midterm losses, clearing the way for a leadership contest.
  • Rep. Jim Jordan announced a campaign for minority leader and Majority Leader Steve Scalise launched his bid the same day, with Republicans set to hold a secret-ballot vote on Nov. 10 and a Friday deadline to declare.
  • The winner will serve as the party's public face in a Democratic-controlled House and is expected to lead Republican defenses of President Trump against planned Democrat-led investigations and oversight actions.
  • Tuesday's election trimmed the GOP conference, costing many moderates who opposed Jordan in 2023 and altering the internal math in a way that could boost support for more conservative leadership choices.
  • Lawmakers and donors now shift to rapid organizing and outreach before next week's vote, and the new leader will immediately set messaging, committee strategy and the party's approach to rebuilding toward 2028.