Speaker Johnson intends to remain GOP leader if party loses House majority

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., says he intends to remain the GOP leader if the party loses control of the chamber in the midterm elections, though he is confident of their chances to keep the 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 in an interview with CBS News on Monday. 

Despite the polling headwinds, the speaker has remained confident that the Republican Party can retain control of the House. Voter dissatisfaction with the economy, especially high gas prices spurred by the Iran war, has presented challenges for GOP candidates, however. 

"My intention is to stay and serve, and that's what I've been doing, as best I can," Johnson added. 

The speaker has crossed the country in recent weeks, with further plans to visit 40 districts in 22 states before the polls finally close on Election Day to boost the party, CBS News reported.  

Johnson became speaker in 2023 after a group of frustrated Republican lawmakers booted his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy. After several unsuccessful rounds to replace him, the GOP eventually settled on Johnson. The Louisiana lawmaker became a close ally of President Donald Trump after his return to the Oval Office.