House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) announced Wednesday that he will not seek to lead House Republicans in the next Congress, stepping aside after the party lost control of the House in Tuesday’s midterm elections. Johnson made the announcement during a morning call with staff and later informed Republican colleagues of his decision in a letter.

Johnson’s departure from leadership marks a reversal from his earlier position. Before the election, he had indicated that he intended to remain the top House Republican even if Democrats won the majority. In October, he told CBS News that he expected his colleagues to ask him to continue leading the conference in that scenario. President Donald Trump also endorsed Johnson’s reelection to the leadership post on Monday, calling him “a true friend, fighter, and WINNER.”

In his letter to colleagues, Johnson said the demands of the speakership had taken a significant toll on his family and that he wanted to give them more attention after three years in the position. He praised the accomplishments of House Republicans during his tenure, including their work alongside Trump, but did not announce plans to leave Congress. Johnson won reelection to his Louisiana congressional seat and is expected to remain in the House as a rank-and-file member.

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and a close Trump ally, formally announced his candidacy to lead Republicans in the minority in a letter to colleagues Wednesday. Jordan argued that Republicans must adopt a more aggressive strategy against the incoming Democratic majority and prepare for a wave of congressional investigations.

“This is a staggering day for our conference. We are losing colleagues and friends who’ve been valuable members of our conference and leaders in our party,” Jordan wrote. He added that Republicans must respond to the defeat by getting back to work and rebuilding their political position.

Jordan also criticized the party’s recent leadership approach, writing, “For too long, we have operated without a clear plan to survive the hour or the day in front of us.” He pointed to his experience leading the Judiciary Committee and defending Trump during both of the president’s impeachment proceedings as evidence that he is prepared for the coming battles with Democrats.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) is also launching a campaign for the leadership position. Scalise’s allies have presented him as an experienced leader capable of unifying the conference and guiding Republicans through the next two years as they attempt to regain the majority. He previously sought the speakership in 2023 after Kevin McCarthy was removed but withdrew when he could not secure enough support.

The contest will also extend to other leadership positions. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) is expected to seek the minority whip position, while Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) plans to challenge him. The outcome of the leadership elections will determine how Republicans organize their opposition to the incoming Democratic majority.

House Republicans are scheduled to hold their secret-ballot leadership elections on November 10. The contest could become a significant test of the conference’s direction following its midterm losses, with Jordan and Scalise offering competing approaches to leading the party through the next Congress.