House Speaker Mike Johnson is signaling that he intends to remain the Republican leader even if the party loses control of the House in next week’s midterm elections, potentially setting up a contest with two prominent members of his own conference.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio have emerged as possible contenders for the minority leader position if Democrats win the chamber, according to Republican lawmakers, congressional aides and strategists.

Johnson has indicated that he expects his colleagues to support him in that scenario. President Donald Trump also gave the speaker a strong endorsement Monday, publicly backing his reelection and reinforcing their political alliance.

“Mike Johnson is a true friend, fighter, and WINNER,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “And he has my Complete and Total endorsement for Re-Election.”

Johnson thanked Trump, responding, “The best is yet to come as we save America!”

Earlier this month, Johnson told CBS News that he expects Republicans to retain their House majority. He also suggested that even if Democrats take control, GOP lawmakers would likely want him to continue leading the conference.

“In that unlikely scenario, I would expect my colleagues would ask me to continue leading this conference, even if we have divided government,” Johnson said.

However, some Republicans question whether Johnson would want to remain in leadership after serving as speaker through a period of narrow margins, internal disagreements and repeated battles over government spending.

One Republican aide expressed doubt that Johnson would pursue the minority leader position, telling The Hill that he did not believe the speaker had the desire to continue in that role.

There is also precedent for Republican speakers leaving Congress after losing the gavel. Former Speakers Newt Gingrich, Dennis Hastert, Paul Ryan and Kevin McCarthy all eventually departed the House rather than remain as minority leaders.

GOP strategist Amy Frederiksen suggested that an election defeat could create pressure for a change in leadership, arguing that returning to the minority after holding the speakership would be difficult.

Former Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi followed a different path. She remained her party’s leader after Republicans captured the House in 2010 and eventually returned to the speakership when Democrats regained control in 2018.

Scalise and Jordan have publicly played down speculation that they are interested in replacing Johnson. Republican insiders, however, believe both lawmakers could enter a leadership contest if the party loses its majority.

Scalise could draw support from Republicans who value his experience in House leadership, while Jordan has a strong following among conservative lawmakers and voters.

One Republican aide argued that Jordan would be particularly suited to leading the party in the minority, where Republicans would need an aggressive voice willing to challenge the Democratic majority publicly and through congressional oversight.

For now, Johnson's office says the speaker is concentrating on keeping Republicans in control of the House. His spokesperson told The Hill that Johnson is “solely focused on protecting the majority” and plans to campaign in 21 congressional districts across 13 states before Election Day.