Mike Johnson steps aside from Republican leadership after midterm losses

Mike Johnson will not seek to remain a leading Republican in the US House after his party’s heavy losses in the midterm elections, his spokesman confirmed, according to AFP. The brief confirmation came after US media reported that the speaker planned to step aside from the party leadership role. Johnson informed staff of his decision a day after Democrats took control of both chambers of Congress. He had campaigned to protect the Republicans’ narrow House majority and had previously indicated that he could remain party leader even if the party lost control. The Louisiana Republican, 54, has led the House since October 2023. He was chosen as a compromise candidate after weeks of infighting among Republicans following the removal of his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy. Johnson’s move opens the way for a contest over who will lead House Republicans. The article identifies current Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Committee chairman Jim Jordan as possible contenders. The decision does not mean Johnson is immediately leaving Congress or giving up his seat. He won re-election in Louisiana and is not immediately resigning as speaker, according to the report. Johnson was the highest-ranking Republican after President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance, and stood second in the presidential line of succession.