Mike Johnson steps aside as House GOP leader, Jim Jordan launches bid

According to CNN and Axios, Johnson announced his decision during a staff call Wednesday after discussing it...

Mike Johnson steps aside as House GOP leader, Jim Jordan launches bid

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 20: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks during a news conference following a closed-door caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center on March 20, 2024 in Washington, DC. Congressional leaders announced Tuesday they had reached a deal on a FY2024 spending package that includes budgets for about three-quarters of all federal discretionary spending, including Defense, Homeland Security, Labor-Health and Human Services, and other bills. Without a deal, the federal government would be facing a partial shutdown at midnight on Friday. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — House Speaker Mike Johnson will not seek to lead House Republicans in the next Congress, setting up a leadership battle after Democrats won control of the House in Tuesday’s midterm elections.

According to CNN and Axios, Johnson announced his decision during a staff call Wednesday after discussing it with President Donald Trump.

House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan has already announced his candidacy, arguing Republicans need a more aggressive strategy to win back the majority.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise is also expected to enter the race.

The contest will determine who leads Republicans in the minority as they prepare to challenge Democrats. A secret-ballot leadership election is expected next week.