Mike Johnson not running to lead House GOP after historic midterm losses
The House speaker revealed the decision on a Wednesday staff call as Jim Jordan mounts a minority leader bid
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., does not plan to lead House Republicans in the next Congress after his razor-thin majority dissolved under a tidal wave of Democrat victories.
Johnson revealed the news on an all-staff call on Wednesday morning, Fox News Digital is told by two sources.
The development comes shortly after it became public that House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, will mount a bid to be minority leader next year. It's not immediately clear how far in advance Johnson's call was planned.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The speaker's remarkable rise to power began with his ascension from relative obscurity to win the gavel in October 2023, following the ouster of ex-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.
JIM JORDAN THROWS HAT IN RING FOR HOUSE MINORITY LEADER AS GOP PICKS UP PIECES AFTER BLUE WAVE
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., center, flanked by House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., left, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., prepares to speak to reporters following a strategy session with House Republicans, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}This story is breaking and will be updated.