News

House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks with reporters alongside President Donald Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum after landing at Dubuque Regional Airport in Air Force One on Nov. 1, 2026, in Dubuque, Iowa. (Andrew Harnik / Getty Images)

Breaking: Mike Johnson Bows Out as House Republican Leader

By V. Saxena November 4, 2026 at 9:49am

House Speaker Mike Johnson announced after Tuesday’s midterm elections that he intends to step aside as the top House Republican leader.

Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, announced his intentions during “a private call with staff Wednesday morning,” Politico reported, citing anonymous sources.

Fox News also obtained confirmation that Johnson plans to step aside now that Democrats have retaken the House and the Senate.

“He just informed staff on a call,” Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin reported on social media.

BREAKING: House Speaker Mike Johnson will not run for House Minority Leader in wake of GOP wipeout last night. He just informed staff on a call, per sources to @FoxNews.

Jim Jordan will run for House Minority Leader, per sources.

— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) November 4, 2026

According to Melugin’s sources, Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan will run for minority leader, which is the position that Johnson would have held in 2027 had he remained in the leadership spot.

CNN reported through its own sources that Johnson has already spoken to President Donald Trump about his plans.

Member poll

Do you agree with Mike Johnson stepping down as House Republican Leader after the midterm elections?

40 votes cast

However, CNN also confirmed that Jordan is likely to face a challenge from current House Majority Leader Steve Scalise.

CNN added that “secret-ballot leadership elections are expected next week” to determine who will lead the House Republicans.

The decision made by Republicans next week will determine their leader for the next term, whereas Democrats will need to wait until the new Congress is in session before they vote for their House speaker.

Choose The Western Journal as your preferred source on Google and never miss reporting that defends truth, protects freedom, and advances Western civilization

Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.

Submit a Correction →

We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

V. Saxena

SummaryRecent PostsContact

V. Saxena is a seasoned conservative news writer and commentator with a decade of experience in the industry. When not at work, he can be found working out or tending to his popular bird feeder.