House Speaker Mike Johnson will not stay on as Republican leader after GOP losses

Nov. 4, 2026, 3:14 PM UTCThe Louisiana Republican told staff on a call Wednesday morning that he will not run to lead his party as House minority leader in the next Congress.Mike Johnson at the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 16.Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty fileWASHINGTON — A day after Democrats won the House majority, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told his staff in a phone call this morning he will not not stay on as Republican leader in the new Congress, according to four sources on the call.His announcement follows massive losses for his party in House races on Tuesday.Johnson has served two terms as speaker, having been elected after Republicans ousted Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., from the top job in 2023.His future plans are not known.Johnson’s departure will leave open the position of House minority leader. Republicans are scheduled to hold an internal election to select their candidate for the position next week, on Nov. 10.This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.