Mike Johnson not running to lead House GOP after historic midterm losses

House of Representatives control is projected to go to Democrats, making Hakeem Jeffries the next speaker. The Fox News Decision Desk projection follows a significant shift among young, independent, rural, and Hispanic voters.

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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.

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.

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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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This story is breaking and will be updated.

Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.

Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com