House Speaker Mike Johnson to Step Down as Top Republican in Congress House Speaker Mike Johnson will not seek the position of minority leader in the next Congress, following the Republican Party's disappointing performance in the recent midterm elections. According to reports, Johnson's decision comes as a result of the party's loss of its majority in the House of Representatives. Johnson's announcement effectively opens the door for other Republican members to vie for the position of minority leader. The move is seen as a significant development in the wake of the party's midterm defeat, which has left Republicans reeling. With Johnson stepping aside, the party will need to select a new leader to represent them in the House. The decision is a significant one, as Johnson has been a key figure in the Republican Party's leadership for some time. His departure will likely have implications for the party's direction and strategy moving forward.