Leigh Ann Caldwell: “History is not on Johnson’s side—speakers rarely survive the loss of a majority… Even Trump may not be able to save him. While the president has defended Johnson in public time and again, leadership elections in the minority are conducted by secret ballot—shielding members from presidential pressure…”
“If Johnson stumbles, plenty of Republicans are eager to take the reins. Scalise, Emmer, and Jordan would no doubt put themselves forward again as contenders. Each would enter the race having had nearly three years to repair relationships, strengthen their standing within the conference, and burnish their Trump bona fides…”
“I’m also told there may be dark horse candidates. Among them is Texas Rep. August Pfluger, chair of the Republican Study Committee, historically a stepping stone to leadership, including for Scalise and Johnson. One well-placed Republican source described Pfluger as highly ambitious, noting that colleagues believe he is already maneuvering for a leadership slot.”
