Mike Johnson Muddles the Race to Succeed Him

Politico: “Republicans are reassessing the dynamics of potential leadership races after Speaker Mike Johnson‘s comments Monday that he would run for minority leader if the GOP loses the House — just days after he floated leaving Congress altogether in that scenario.”

“Many Republicans had predicted Johnson would step aside with a House flip, likely setting off a race between Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan for the top GOP spot. If Johnson stays put, his success may depend on if the severity of the party’s loss and if Trump weighs in for a certain candidate.”

Said one House Republican: “I hope he’s smarter than that. It would end very badly and cause unnecessary damage to the conference.”