# Johnson vows to lead GOP even if Republicans lose House

> House Speaker Mike Johnson says he would remain Republican leader in a minority, dismissing speculation he might leave politics if the party loses its majority.
- Title: Johnson vows to lead GOP even if Republicans lose House
- Summary: House Speaker Mike Johnson says he would remain Republican leader in a minority, dismissing speculation he might leave politics if the party loses its…
- Keywords: mike johnson, house speaker, republicans, 2024 elections, house majority, gop leadership, news, Johnson, vows, lead, GOP, even
- Source: CBS News — https://cbsnews.com/news/mike-johnson-republican-leader-midterms-2026
- Author: Kaia  Hubbard
- Published: 2026-10-12T09:00:09+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mike johnson, house speaker, republicans, 2024 elections, house majority, gop leadership, news
## Johnson plans to lead either way
House Speaker Mike Johnson told CBS News he would expect colleagues to ask him to continue leading Republicans even if the party loses its House majority in November.

> 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 dismisses lawn business joke
Johnson clarified a recent comment to Fox News about potentially starting a lawn business in Shreveport, Louisiana, calling it tongue in cheek and reaffirming his commitment to politics.

> It's just hilarious.
## Johnson expresses confidence in GOP chances
Despite midterm dynamics traditionally favoring the opposition party, Johnson remains bullish about Republicans holding or growing their narrow House majority in November.
## Johnson campaigns heavily before Election Day
Johnson has been campaigning in 40 districts across 22 states, pointing to millions of dollars raised for Republicans and his work managing the volatile GOP majority as reasons for continued leadership.

> I'm not sure what the case would be for any alternative. I intend to stay and lead.
## Johnson ready to be tough minority leader
When pressed on whether he could lead Republicans as a combative minority, Johnson pointed to his background as a constitutional law attorney and his defense of President Trump during impeachment trials.

> We can be tough, but we can be happy warriors. That's what Ronald Reagan was. That's what I fashioned myself as.
## Key takeaway

House Speaker Mike Johnson told CBS News he intends to lead Republicans even if they lose the House majority in November, rejecting earlier speculation he might retire.