US House Speaker Mike Johnson has decided not to contest the position of House Minority Leader in the next Congress, opening the door to a potential leadership showdown within the Republican Party.
According to two GOP staffers, Johnson announced his decision during a staff call on Wednesday. His withdrawal comes as Republicans deal with a major election setback and prepare to redefine their leadership in the House.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan are both expected to enter the race for the top Republican leadership position, setting the stage for a potentially difficult contest.
Johnson’s time as Speaker has been marked by repeated disagreements within his party. He has faced challenges in maintaining unity among Republicans, particularly during debates over government funding, the Iran war and other key issues.
His position was also complicated by the party’s narrow majority in the House.
Johnson entered Congress in 2016 and became Speaker in 2023, replacing Kevin McCarthy. Before becoming Speaker, he served as vice chair of the House Republican Conference.
His decision not to seek the minority leader post now leaves Republicans facing an important choice over who will lead the party in the next Congress.
