House Speaker Mike Johnson has informed his staff that he will not run for the position of minority leader in the next Congress, according to a source familiar with the matter. The announcement follows CBS News projections that Democrats will secure control of the House with a wide majority in January. Johnson made the decision known during a call with staffers on Wednesday morning.
The leadership vacuum has prompted immediate interest from other senior Republicans. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan both sent letters to colleagues on Wednesday expressing their intent to lead the party. The Republican Conference is scheduled to hold its leadership elections on Tuesday, Nov. 10, one week after Election Day.
What the Left Is Saying
With the projected shift in power, Democratic leadership is preparing for a new phase of oversight and legislative activity. While specific Democratic reactions to Johnson's departure were not detailed in the immediate reporting, the transition marks the beginning of an era where Democrats will control the chamber's agenda. The focus for the incoming majority is expected to be on investigating the Trump administration, a priority highlighted by the outgoing Republican leadership's concerns.
What the Right Is Saying
The Republican response to the election results and leadership change centers on strategy for the minority period. Speaker Johnson, reflecting on his tenure in remarks from Shreveport, Louisiana, stated, "It's been the honor of my life to serve as the 56th speaker of the House — not a position we ever aspired to or expected to have." Earlier, in an interview with Fox News, Johnson had suggested he might return to his hometown to start a lawn business if the party lost its majority.
Rep. Steve Scalise, in a five-page letter to colleagues, argued that "tested leadership is needed now more than ever" to counter the incoming Democratic agenda and potential investigations. "My number one goal as Republican Leader will be to win back the majority and I expect you to hold me accountable to that mission," Scalise wrote. He emphasized the need for an "effective" approach to both oversight and legislative fights, alongside a "clear and optimistic vision for America."
Rep. Jim Jordan, in a two-page letter obtained by CBS News, described the election results as "a staggering day for our Conference." Jordan argued that the party had "operated without a clear plan" and stated, "That will not cut it against an emboldened and energetic Democrat majority." He positioned himself as "battle-tested on the oversight front," noting, "I know the Democrats' playbook. I know what it will take to lead our Conference in the minority, to stay unified, and to coordinate and calibrate our response to the Democrats' tactics."
What the Numbers Show
CBS News projects that Democrats will take control of the House in January with a wide majority, ending the Republican hold on the chamber. The leadership transition process is set for Nov. 10, with Scalise and Jordan emerging as the primary candidates for the role of minority leader. Johnson's departure follows his election as speaker in October 2023, where he became the fourth nominee after Reps. Tom Emmer, Steve Scalise, and Jim Jordan failed to unite the party's factions in the wake of Kevin McCarthy's ouster. Republicans reelected Johnson to the speakership in 2025.
The Bottom Line
The Republican Conference faces a critical decision on Nov. 10 as it chooses between the institutional experience of Steve Scalise and the aggressive oversight strategy of Jim Jordan. The choice will likely define the party's approach to the next two years, balancing legislative opposition with defensive efforts against anticipated Democratic investigations. Johnson's exit signals a fresh start for the GOP leadership in the minority, while the incoming Democratic majority prepares to implement its agenda and oversight priorities.