After Democrats flip Congress, House Speaker Mike Johnson rules out minority leader bid in 2026 midterm elections

Johnson rules out leadership bid

Johnson informed his staff Wednesday that he would not seek to become House minority leader, according to multiple sources familiar with the call. The announcement came after ABC News projected Democrats would take control of Congress.

Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, a Republican, has told allies he is expected to run for minority leader, sources familiar with the matter said. House GOP leadership elections are set for Nov. 10, and candidates must declare by noon on Nov. 6.

Democrats gain key governorships

ABC News projects Democrat David Crowley will win Wisconsin’s gubernatorial race, defeating Republican Tom Tiffany. Crowley would become the state’s first Black governor and succeed outgoing Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. The Associated Press projected that Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, a Democrat, will win the state’s governor’s race and flip the seat for his party.

Nebraska Senate result projected

The Associated Press projected Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts will win the U.S. Senate race in Nebraska. Independent candidate Dan Osborn conceded. The election coverage also listed projected results in Texas, Ohio and Florida, including Democratic wins in Texas’s Senate and governor’s races, Democrat Acton defeating Ramaswamy in Ohio’s governor’s race, and Donalds winning Florida’s governor’s race.