Mike Johnson Declines House Minority Leader Bid After GOP Losses

After Republicans lost control of the House in the midterms, Speaker Mike Johnson told aides he would not seek to lead the party as House minority leader. Johnson won reelection to his Louisiana seat and is expected to remain in Congress, though he had previously suggested he might leave if Republicans lost the majority. His decision opens a leadership contest, with Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan announcing bids. Johnson’s speakership was marked by a narrow Republican majority and internal party divisions.