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Pass the Mike

Speculation is building around who could replace Mike Johnson as Republicans’ leader in the House if and when the party finds itself in the minority. And there are already four names on the theoretical shortlist.

Mike Johnson
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 03: U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) delivers remarks after being re-elected Speaker on the first day of the 119th Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 03, 2025 in Washington, DC. Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) retained his Speakership in the face of opposition within his own party as the 119th Congress holds its first session to vote for a new Speaker of the House. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Leigh Ann Caldwell
April 1, 2026

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It’s that time in the cycle—seven months before the midterms, in a less-than-ideal political environment—when angsty House Republicans begin contemplating life in the minority. It’s a grim picture: Committee chairs become ranking members without subpoena power, legislating is downgraded to messaging, staff budgets shrink, and leadership slots evaporate. Naturally, against that backdrop, Republican chatter about the fate of Speaker Mike Johnson has only intensified.