After GOP losses, speaker Mike Johnson declines House minority leader bid as Jim Jordan weighs run
Johnson opts out of leadership race
Johnson informed his staff Wednesday that he would not run to become House minority leader, according to sources familiar with the call. The announcement came hours after Republicans sustained major losses Tuesday night.
Rep. Jim Jordan, an Ohio Republican, indicated to allies that he expects to seek the post, sources said. The House GOP leadership vote is scheduled for Nov. 10, and candidates must declare by noon Nov. 6.
Democrats projected to gain control
ABC News projected that Democrats would take control of the Senate and the House in the midterm elections. The results formed the backdrop to Johnson’s decision to step aside.
The Alaska Senate race had not yet been projected at the time of the report. In Nebraska, the Associated Press projected Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts would retain his seat over independent Dan Osborn, who conceded.
Governors’ races bring party shifts
ABC News projected Democrat David Crowley would win Wisconsin’s governor race, defeating Republican Tom Tiffany. Crowley would succeed Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and become the state’s first Black governor.
The Associated Press projected Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, a Democrat, would win the governor’s race, shifting the seat to Democrats. The report also listed projected results in other states, including Oregon, but gave no further details for those contests.
Key points
- Johnson told staff he will not seek House minority leader.
- Jim Jordan has indicated he expects to run for the post.
- House GOP leadership elections are scheduled for Nov. 10.
- ABC News projected Democrats would control both chambers of Congress.