House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is signaling that he intends to remain at the helm of House Republicans even if the party were to lose its majority in November.
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, Johnson told CBS News in an interview near his hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana. According to CBS News, Johnson, who has served as speaker since October 2023, voiced confidence that Republicans will hold their slim House majority in the Nov. 3 elections.
My intention is to stay and serve, and that's what I've been doing, as best I can, Johnson said, underscoring his commitment to the role despite Washington speculation. His latest comments were meant to clarify a television interview last week that prompted rumors he might leave Congress if Democrats reclaimed the gavel.
Heaven forbid, if we lose this majority or whatever, I don't know what my next chapter of life is, Johnson told Fox News, according to Politico. He had even mused about returning to Shreveport and starting a lawn care business if that were Gods plan for him.
But Johnson brushed aside the chatter about his political future, telling CBS News his earlier remarks were tongue in cheek. What I believe is, I'm going to be the speaker of the House for at least two more years, Johnson said, projecting confidence that voters will reject a leftward shift in Congress.
The Louisiana Republican has been aggressively campaigning to preserve the GOP majority, with plans to visit 40 congressional districts in 22 states before Election Day. Johnson cited his fundraising, extensive travel, and his ability to keep a sometimes unruly Republican conference together as evidence he should remain leader.
I'm not sure what the case would be for any alternative, he said. I intend to stay and lead.
If Republicans were to lose the House, Johnson could face a leadership contest, with Politico reporting that House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., are being floated as potential rivals. Asked whether he could serve as a combative minority leader, Johnson pointed to his record as a constitutional attorney and his vigorous defense of President Donald Trump during two impeachment trials.
We can be tough, but we can be happy warriors, Johnson said, invoking former President Ronald Reagan as a model for optimistic conservatism in the face of Democratic overreach. Johnson insisted his attention is fixed on stopping a liberal takeover of the House, declaring, I have no intention other than winning this majority and serving as speaker. That is what's going to happen.
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