Mike Johnson says he will not pursue House minority leader role – reports

Reported move from Republican speaker of House comes in light of party’s disastrous midterms defeat

• US midterms 2026 live – latest updates

• Tell us: what do you want to know about the midterm election results?

Mike Johnson, the Republican speaker of the House, has said he is not planning to pursue the role of minority leader once his party loses its majority in the chamber, according to multiple reports.

Coming in light of Republicans’ disastrous midterm defeat, Johnson’s decision effectively yields the position of highest-ranking Republican in the House to whichever member of his party can claim it.