House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., says he is prepared to continue leading House Republicans if Democrats win control of the chamber in the Nov. 3 midterm elections, dismissing speculation that a Republican defeat could push him out of Washington.

Speaking with CBS News near his hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana, Johnson said he believes his colleagues would want him to remain their leader even if Republicans lose their majority.

"In the unlikely scenario where we lost the majority, I would expect my colleagues would ask me to continue leading this conference, even if we have divided government," Johnson said.

The speaker's remarks follow an interview last week in which he raised questions about his future after a potential GOP loss. Johnson had suggested he could return to Louisiana and start a lawn care business, prompting speculation that he might leave politics.

Johnson later dismissed that interpretation, describing the lawn care comment as "tongue-in-cheek." He explained that he has long viewed his political career through the lens of his faith and service to the country, saying he would follow a different path if he believed that was God's plan.

However, he made clear that he expects to remain in the speaker's office.

"What I believe is, I'm going to be the Speaker of the House for at least two more years," Johnson said.

He also reinforced his commitment to the job, adding, "My intention is to stay and serve, and that's what I've been doing, as best I can."

Johnson is working to keep Republicans in control of the chamber, with plans to campaign in 40 congressional districts across 22 states before Election Day. He pointed to his fundraising operation, extensive travel and efforts to manage divisions within the Republican conference as evidence of his leadership.

"I'm not sure what the case would be for any alternative," Johnson said. "I intend to stay and lead."

A loss of the House majority would leave Republicans choosing between keeping Johnson at the helm or elevating another lawmaker to lead the party in the minority. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, have been mentioned as possible contenders, according to Politico.

Johnson also addressed whether he could take a more confrontational approach against a Democratic-controlled House. Citing his previous work as a constitutional attorney and his defense of President Donald Trump during two impeachment proceedings, he argued that Republicans could challenge Democrats without abandoning an optimistic public message.

"I was a litigator in my past life, a constitutional law attorney," Johnson said. "We can be tough, but we can be happy warriors."

The speaker invoked former President Ronald Reagan as an example of that approach, but stressed that his immediate priority is preventing a Democratic takeover.

"I have no intention other than winning this majority and serving as speaker," Johnson said. "That is what's going to happen."