Politics · United States · 1 hr ago
Johnson says he would stay on as House GOP leader if party loses majority
House Speaker Mike Johnson says he plans to keep leading House Republicans if they lose control of the House in November.
He has been speaker since 2023 and says he expects his colleagues to ask him to lead the party in the minority.
Johnson recently joked that he might return to his hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana, and start a lawn business if Republicans lost the majority.
He said the remark was tongue in cheek and that he has no intention of leaving politics.
Republicans face challenges including the usual midterm advantage for the party outside the White House, high fuel prices and controversial Trump administration policies.
Johnson points to his fundraising, campaigning and work leading House Republicans as reasons to remain in charge.
He plans to campaign in 40 districts across 22 states before Election Day and says his main goal is to keep the party’s House majority.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said he intends to remain the House Republican leader if the party loses its majority in November.
Johnson said he expects his colleagues would ask him to lead the party in a divided government.
He said he remains focused on keeping the majority and expects to serve as speaker for at least two more years.
Johnson described an earlier suggestion that he might start a lawn business in Shreveport as tongue in cheek.
He cited his fundraising, travel and work managing the House Republican conference as reasons to continue leading.
- Who
- House Speaker Mike Johnson.
- What
- He said he intends to remain the House Republican leader if Republicans lose their House majority.
- When
- He made the comments in an interview published October 12, 2026; the party's majority will be decided in November.
- Where
- In an interview near Johnson's hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana.
- Why
- He said he expects colleagues would ask him to continue leading the party and said he intends to stay and serve.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
In the unlikely scenario where we lost the majority, I would expect my colleagues would ask me to continue leading this conference, even if we have divided government.
My intention is to stay and serve, and that's what I've been doing, as best I can.
I'm not sure what the case would be for any alternative.
I intend to stay and lead.
Johnson suggested to Fox News that he could return to Shreveport and start a lawn business if Republicans lost the House majority.
In an interview with CBS News' Robert Costa, Johnson said he intended to remain the House Republican leader if the party lost its majority.
Johnson planned to visit 40 congressional districts in 22 states while campaigning for Republicans.
- Current role
- House Speaker
- Party leadership
- Has led House Republicans as speaker since 2023
- Possible future role
- Would seek to lead House Republicans if they lose the majority
- Campaign travel plan
- 40 districts in 22 states
- Hometown
- Shreveport, Louisiana
Sources
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