Mike Johnson’s Departure From GOP Leadership Sets Up Battle for Succession

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, took himself out of the race for minority leader on Wednesday, kicking off a battle within Congress for the coveted seat.

Johnson announced his decision this morning, just hours after the House and the Senate were called for Democrats, on a call with his staff, the source told the Daily Signal. Johnson served two terms as speaker and was elected after former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted from the job. The GOP was dealt widespread midterm losses on Tuesday night, leaving Congress to debate who will now lead the party in the minority position.

House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan on Wednesday sent a letter to his colleagues, obtained by the Daily Signal, announcing his run for minority leader. He called Tuesday’s returns “staggering” for the party and called on the GOP to learn from the results.

“In these next two years, our jobs cannot be to merely spotlight how radical this new Democrat party is—offense, not defense, wins elections,” the letter reads. “Republican priorities prioritize making Americans’ neighborhoods safer, keeping more money in their pockets, and protecting enduring American values and freedoms. To restore our majority, we must restore voters’ faith in our ability to deliver on these principles.”

“That is why I am running to serve as Republican Leader in the 120th Congress,” Jordan wrote.

House Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise threw his hat in the ring with a letter to his colleagues of his own. The Daily Signal obtained the letter, in which Scalise warns about the “socialists” coming to Washington.

“His No. 1 goal will be to lead the conference back into the majority. He is a proven and tested leader who is ready on day one. He’s spent his career unifying Republicans, and he is prepared for the big legislative and oversight battles ahead. The conference knows him, how he fights, and that he’s a trusted leader,” a source familiar with the congressman’s thinking told the Daily Signal.

Republican Study Committee Chairman August Pfluger has entered the race for minority whip, a source familiar with his decision told the Caller. Pfluger sent a letter to his colleagues, which was obtained by the Daily Signal, announcing his bid.

“Championship teams take the time to debrief after every game. It is time to regroup, recharge, and fully unify. We need fresh ideas and a leadership team committed to rebuilding a culture with a clear game plan to win in 2028. I’m running for Republican Whip because I believe that I am capable and can be trusted to implement the changes this team needs,” the letter reads.

Tuesday was a shocking blow to the GOP. As of 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Democrats have secured 244 House seats, nearly 30 more than necessary to hold the majority, while Johnson’s Republicans have won only 150.

Among the stunning results, a Democrat was elected governor of Texas for the first time since 1990, and a Democrat U.S. senator was elected in Texas for the first time since 1988. A similar trend happened in South Carolina, where Democrats elected a senator for the first time since 1998. Democrats won the Senate seat and governorship in Ohio, a state President Donald Trump carried by about 11 points in the 2024 election.

Virginia Grace McKinnon contributed to this report.

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