Mike Johnson Is Not Running for Minority Leader as GOP Loses House Majority in Wipeout
Johnson steps aside
Mike Johnson informed his staff Wednesday that he would not run to become House minority leader, according to multiple sources familiar with the call. The announcement followed projections that Democrats would take control of the chamber.
Ohio Republican Rep. Jim Jordan has told allies he is expected to seek the position, sources familiar with the matter said. House GOP leadership elections are set for Nov. 10, and candidates must declare by noon on Nov. 6.
Voters weigh Trump’s record
Democrats were projected to regain the House for the first time since 2020, with President Donald Trump’s influence a major factor in the election. ABC News Voter Polls found that about six in 10 people who voted in House races disapproved of Trump’s performance.
The polling found 53% strongly disapproved. That was the largest share of strong disapproval for a president in elections dating to 2008, when George W. Bush was president and Barack Obama was elected.
Texas and Wisconsin contests
Republicans appeared likely to lose ground in Texas after Trump urged redistricting intended to give the party five additional seats. Democrats were projected to flip two Republican-held seats in heavily Hispanic districts in South Texas.
Rep. Monica De La Cruz lost in TX-15, while Democrat Katy Padilla Stout was projected to win the vacant TX-34 seat, previously held by Rep. Tony Gonzales. In Wisconsin, Democrat David Crowley was projected to defeat Republican Tom Tiffany and become the state’s first Black governor, succeeding outgoing Democratic Gov. Tony Evers.
Key points
- Mike Johnson told staff he will not run for House minority leader.
- Jim Jordan has indicated he expects to seek the leadership post.
- Democrats were projected to take control of both the House and Senate.
- David Crowley was projected to become Wisconsin’s first Black governor.