Mike Johnson will not seek the position of House minority leader, and Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan are competing to replace him.

Anadolu Agency, CBS News, Washington Examiner + 9 more · United States

5 Nov 202618 outlets

What it means

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has announced he will not seek to become House after Republicans lost the House majority in the 2026 . This clears the field for two other GOP lawmakers—House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio)—who are now competing for the position, setting up a leadership contest reminiscent of the 2023 speakership race.

Accuracy & sourcesSourced

The claim is well-supported by multiple reputable news outlets (NBC News, Washington Post, CBS News, Politico) citing anonymous sources familiar with Johnson's decision or his direct communication to staff and House Republicans. The primary source is likely Johnson's own letter or announcement, and the reporting is close to that source, making this a solid, timely report.

How new

This is genuinely new, breaking in the hours after the 2026 midterm elections, with all reports dated November 4, 2026.

Mike Johnson will not seek the position of House minority leader, and Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan are competing to replace him.

What it means

Accuracy & sourcesSourced

How new

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