11/04/2026 | MIKE JOHNSON WON’T SEEK HOUSE MINORITY LEADER ROLE AFTER DEMOCRATIC SWEEP

COLUMBUS,OHIO | Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, setting up a change in House leadership when the new Congress convenes in January.

House Speaker Mike Johnson told staff Wednesday that he will not run to become House minority leader, according to a source familiar with his plans who spoke to the Associated Press. Republicans are expected to choose new party leaders following their election losses.

The change in control does not take effect immediately. Under the constitutional schedule, the new Congress begins at noon on January 3, 2027. The House will then elect a Speaker. Until the current Congress ends, Johnson remains Speaker. His decision not to seek minority leader does not, by itself, mean he is resigning his House seat.