This decision comes on the heels of significant losses for the GOP in House races on Tuesday, marking a disappointing turn of events for the party.

Johnson's departure leaves a vacancy in the position of House minority leader, which will need to be filled through an internal election within the Republican ranks.

The Republicans are scheduled to hold their internal election on November 10 to select their candidate for the minority leadership position.

Jim Jordan, a conservative leader and former collegiate wrestler from Ohio, has thrown his hat into the ring to become the next GOP leader after House Speaker Mike Johnson announced he will step down. In a letter to colleagues, Jordan highlighted his experience as chairman of the Judiciary Committee, where he has been a staunch defender of President Donald Trump.

Jordan's background in Congress includes serving as founding chairman of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus and making waves with his opposition to GOP leadership. Before becoming a committee chairman, he ran unsuccessful campaigns for minority leader and speaker, but now sees himself as battle-tested in dealing with Democrats' investigations into Trump.

In his letter, Jordan emphasized that he knows the Democrats' playbook and is prepared to lead the party in the minority by staying unified and coordinating their response to Democratic tactics. He acknowledged that the party faces a tough road ahead after Tuesday's losses.

Representative Mike Rogers has also announced his candidacy for GOP whip, the second-in-command position in the minority leadership team. Some Republicans are calling for significant changes within the leadership ranks following the recent election outcome.

The recent Republican election losses have sparked a call for significant changes within the party's leadership ranks. Senior GOP lawmakers are advocating for a complete overhaul of the current leadership structure. This sentiment was echoed by Rep., who criticized House GOP leaders for alienating conservative members.

One such critic is Rep., who expressed his discontent in a post on X, stating that House GOP leadership has been "embarrassingly weak" and more afraid of governing conservatively than disappointing voters. He accused them of governing out of fear, constantly yielding to moderates within the party who ultimately suffered losses in the election. This stance reflects the growing dissatisfaction among conservative Republicans.

As a result of these developments, it is expected that Rep., who won re-election to his House seat on Tuesday, will remain in the House next year but may choose to leave early like other former speakers have done, or serve out his full two-year term. The decision has been reported by Punchbowl News.

NBC News Politics: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/house-speaker-mike-johnson-republican-leader-gop-losses-rcna607434

The GOP has invested heavily in this seat, with over $22 million spent so far on advertisements and other campaign materials aimed at boosting Feely's prospects. A significant portion of this spending has come in the final weeks leading up to the election, suggesting that party strategists believe Feely is a strong contender.

Trump's intervention on behalf of his friend has been notable, with the president personally clearing the way for Feely to secure the nomination by maneuvering other Republicans out of the running. According to sources close to Trump, he has known Feely for decades and views him as a formidable candidate due to their long-standing personal friendship.

This high-stakes support for Feely marks an unusual instance of personal loyalty influencing electoral strategy, particularly given that Trump's allies have typically taken a pragmatic approach to campaign spending, often prioritizing strategic investments over sentimental considerations.

Feely's campaign is facing significant challenges due to Trump's unpopularity in his district, where internal polling suggests a negative 13-point approval rating.

To counter this, Shah has been airing ads that tie Feely to Trump, highlighting the president's influence on the GOP recruit's platform and policies. This strategy aims to capitalize on Trump's presence in the campaign, despite his low favorability ratings in the district. The ads are part of a broader effort to link Feely to the White House.

Feely has also been meeting with influential figures in an attempt to secure their support for his candidacy. In August, he attended a gathering with Speaker Mike Johnson and tech mogul Elon Musk in Texas, where top Republicans were discussing strategies to defend the House GOP majority alongside the Senate. Musk's involvement is notable, given his significant donation of $20 million to the top House GOP super PAC.

The Trump team appears to be taking a pragmatic approach to Feely's campaign, allowing him some leeway to distance himself from the White House and its controversies. This includes avoiding Trump's rallies and potentially diverging on policy issues, according to sources close to the matter.

Feely's decision not to attend Trump's rally in Arizona has raised eyebrows among insiders familiar with the situation. The absence of two prominent Republicans from the event - Feely and Rep. Juan Ciscomani - was notable given their roles as key figures in the state's Republican party.

The reasons behind their non-attendance are shrouded in mystery, but it is clear that both men have a complex relationship with Trump. While they may have personal connections to the president, their priorities seem to be focused on securing their own re-election bids rather than attending high-profile events.

Feely's campaign is seen as particularly vulnerable due to his involvement in a competitive district that could potentially flip to Democratic control. With internal polling indicating a tight race between Feely and his opponent Shah, every move counts - including which events the candidates choose to attend.

Winning over independent voters in this battleground district has become a crucial objective for Jay's campaign. The unpopularity of the war in Iran and soaring fuel prices have made it an even more daunting task to sway undecided voters.

The White House declined to comment on the matter. Feely's general consultant, Seitchik, emphasized the significance of grassroots efforts in securing this tight election. In a race that may come down to just a few hundred votes, Jay is doing everything necessary to win this crucial seat, he said.

Jay's decades-long friendship with Donald Trump has not gone unnoticed. The two have been golfing buddies for years, as evidenced by Feely's social media post in August 2020 featuring the pair at Bedminster, New Jersey.

Feely was initially running to represent Arizona's 5th Congressional District, which is considered more conservative than the state as a whole. However, after David Schweikert announced he would run for governor, the district's dynamics shifted.

Trump encouraged Feely to switch races and compete in the battleground 1st District instead, where Gina Swoboda was also vying for the Republican nomination. This move drew Feely into a primary fight with Swoboda, a longtime Trump ally and former state party chair.

In this intense competition, Trump's support became crucial, but he initially backed both candidates before ultimately endorsing only one of them, his personal friend.

Politico: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/10/23/trump-feely-friends-arizona-battleground-01133434

In a recent campaign stop in Maine, Johnson expressed his optimism about the Republican Party's chances, citing the enthusiasm and energy he's seen among voters as he travels across the country. He also pointed to the quality of candidates running for office, describing them as "workhorses rather than flashy politicians focused on personal gain.

Johnson has been a key fundraiser for House Republicans, helping to raise nearly half a billion dollars for his party's efforts. This significant financial backing is a testament to his leadership and organizational skills within the Republican Party.

As he campaigns for GOP candidates, Johnson seems unfazed by the trend of voters often dumping the president's party in midterm elections.

Johnson's campaign itinerary is a testament to his optimism about retaining Republican seats in the midterms. With over 20 states and 40 congressional districts on his schedule for November, he seems undeterred by voter frustration over economic issues and foreign policy.

The speaker has consistently demonstrated an ability to rally support behind contentious legislation, despite having only a narrow majority to work with. His leadership has been instrumental in passing key bills, including the significant tax breaks and social service cuts package.

Republican Representative Mark Harris of North Carolina, who is accompanying Johnson on his campaign swing, has witnessed firsthand the speaker's capacity for delivering results against expectations. So many times everybody had written off, there was no way he was going to be able to pull off a particular vote, Harris said, highlighting Johnson's track record.

Johnson's experience in navigating tight margins may serve him well as he campaigns across the country. He is drawing parallels between the current political mood and the 2024 election that brought Republicans into power in Congress and the White House.

With his busy campaign schedule, Johnson appears focused on building momentum for Republican candidates rather than making bold predictions about expanding the party's majority. His approach suggests a measured confidence in his ability to rally support behind GOP candidates.

House Speaker Mike Johnson's confidence in his ability to rally support behind Republican candidates is evident in his measured approach. He acknowledges that the party may not retain a large majority but remains optimistic about securing a working majority nonetheless.

Johnson's path to becoming speaker was unexpected, resulting from a desperate choice by his GOP colleagues after a group of Republicans ousted then-Rep. Kevin McCarthy in 2023. Prior to this, Johnson held a lower-level position within House leadership.

His previous involvement in organizing support for former President Trump's claims of election fraud following the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack showcased his ability to navigate complex situations and secure proximity to the president's power base.

Johnson's relationships with Trump are well-documented. He has joined the former president at high-profile events and even gifted him a speaker's gavel during the signing of a significant bill. Critics have interpreted this gesture as an overstep, blurring the lines between branches of government.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has pushed back against criticism that Congress is losing its authority under his watch as former President Trump amasses executive power.

Johnson made the comments over coffee in Bangor after a rally for House candidate Paul LePage, a former governor. He emphasized that Congress has not yielded its constitutional powers to the president. Instead, he claimed that lawmakers have used their own authority to advance Republican priorities despite Democratic opposition.

The election has focused on Johnson's portrayal of Democrats as communists," with several far-left liberals backed by the Democratic Socialists of America running for office. This narrative is part of a broader effort to mobilize conservative voters and maintain control of Congress.

As House Democrats prepare for potential changes in power, their leader, U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, has outlined a plan for his party's first 100 days if they take control in January.

House Speaker Mike Johnson is drawing on his faith as he navigates the challenges of holding onto Republican control in the House. His approach reflects the strong spiritual tradition among House leaders, many of whom have been influenced by their Catholic upbringing.

Johnson's own faith has played a significant role in shaping his leadership style and decision-making process. As a former constitutional lawyer who was first elected to Congress alongside Donald Trump in 2016, Johnson brings a unique blend of legal expertise and political acumen to the speaker's office.

To maintain party discipline, Johnson is considering changes to the House rules if he returns as speaker after the November elections. He has hinted that these reforms will streamline the legislative process and improve efficiency, but details remain scarce.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed gratitude for the numerous prayers he receives from well-wishers, not just for himself but also for the country's future.

He revealed that these prayers have a profound impact on him, as he relies on his faith to guide him in making crucial decisions, particularly those related to maintaining Republican control in Congress.

ABC News Politics: https://abcnews.com/Politics/wireStory/house-speaker-mike-johnson-draws-faith-fights-hold-137344151

The controversy has been fueled by President Trump's announcement that the administration is still deciding whether to go ahead with a live broadcast of the firing-squad execution. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had previously announced that the execution would be livestreamed, but it remains unclear what the final decision will be.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has confirmed that some members of the House Republican conference are opposed to the plan, and he plans to discuss their concerns with the White House.

The proposal to livestream the execution of the Fort Hood shooter has sparked intense debate among lawmakers, with some expressing concerns that it could create a "recruiting tool for future terrorists." This worry stems from the potential impact on extremist groups, who might use the footage to further their ideologies.

Several senators have spoken out against the plan, including Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. She emphasized that there is "no need to livestream any execution," urging the Pentagon to reconsider its decision. In a statement on X, she noted that giving notoriety to the perpetrator would only serve to fulfill his desire for martyrdom.

The senator's comments echo concerns about the potential consequences of broadcasting such an event. He stressed that families of the victims deserve justice and closure, but questioned whether livestreaming the execution is truly necessary or wise.

The decision to livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan, the perpetrator of the 2009 Fort Hood shooting, has sparked debate among Republican lawmakers. They argue that publicizing such events would provide terrorists with an audience and attention they crave.

Several Republicans have expressed their opposition to the plan, including Rep. Ann Wagner of Missouri, who wrote on social media platform X that "Justice will be served, but the United States of America does not and should not livestream executions." Similar sentiments were echoed by Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr. of Pennsylvania, who stated that an execution should not be a "live-streamed spectacle.

In contrast, only one Republican member of Congress has publicly voiced support for the plan - Rep. Jim Vance. He described the execution as excellent" and emphasized that the focus should be on justice for the victims and their families, rather than treating it like entertainment.

The Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has come out in support of the decision to livestream the execution of the Fort Hood shooter. On a television program over the weekend, he defended this choice, suggesting that it was made with a specific goal in mind.

The president had earlier expressed conflicting views on whether he personally intervened in the decision to broadcast the execution live. While some speculate that the plan may still be altered, for now, the execution is set to proceed as scheduled. The outcome aims to serve as a deterrent against similar crimes in the future.

CBS News Politics: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/republican-opposition-livestream-fort-hood-shooter-execution/

Political advertising is now warning voters about Democratic plots to defund the police, while campaign events feature law enforcement unions and tough talk on law and order issues. This change in strategy reflects growing frustration among voters with their party's handling of everyday costs and foreign policy decisions.

Crime rates have been trending downward since the 1990s, but Republicans are seizing on this issue as a rare opportunity to go on the offensive in an otherwise challenging year. They believe that lawlessness is safer ground for them than other issues like rising living expenses or the ongoing conflict with Iran.

House Speaker Mike Johnson recently highlighted this trend, pointing out that America has seen its lowest violent crime rate in 126 years. He credited a focus on upholding the rule of law for this achievement and boasted about having the most secure border in over half a century.

The shift in Republican messaging comes despite concerns within their own party about the implications of Donald Trump's record, which includes being convicted as a felon for paying hush money to a former adult film star.

Republican candidates in key battleground states are shifting their messaging ahead of the midterm elections, embracing a tough-on-crime approach that has become a staple of the party's platform.

In Nebraska, former President Donald Trump revived his signature issue on Monday night, painting a dire picture of the country under its current leadership. He claimed that the US had previously been plagued by unprecedented levels of crime and unchecked immigration at its borders.

This rhetoric is being echoed across the country, with Republican gubernatorial candidates in several states launching attacks against their Democratic opponents over law enforcement funding and public safety. In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has criticized his opponent's stance on bail reform for undocumented immigrants charged with violent crimes.

In response, Democratic nominee Gina Hinojosa has highlighted her background as a civil rights lawyer and accused Abbott of promoting policies that undermine civil liberties. Her campaign has focused on issues such as police funding and public safety, rather than immigration or crime.

Meanwhile, in Georgia, billionaire healthcare executive Rick Jackson has repeatedly criticized his opponent's tenure as mayor of Atlanta, claiming she abandoned neighborhoods and failed to adequately fund law enforcement.

In key U.S. House races, Republicans are revisiting a familiar theme: crime and disorder. In Virginia's first congressional district, Rep. Rob Wittman is criticizing his Democratic opponent Shannon Taylor for her record as a former county prosecutor.

Taylor's alleged "soft on crime stance has been a focal point in the campaign, with Wittman using it to paint her as a threat to public safety. This strategy mirrors one employed by other Republican candidates nationwide. In Michigan's 10th district, Michael Bouchard is running on his military service and law enforcement background.

Bouchard claims that his Democratic opponent Christina Hines supports woke, soft on crime, socialist policies. He's using this language to appeal to voters who are concerned about public safety and the perceived rise in crime. Similar tactics are being used by Rep. Gabe Evans in Colorado's eighth district against Manny Rutinel.

Evans is touting his experience as a police officer to contrast with Rutinel's background as a former prosecutor. In Wisconsin's third district, Rep. Derrick Van Orden is painting Democratic nominee Rebecca Cooke as a communist who wants to defund the police.

Democratic rivals have responded by highlighting their own commitment to public safety and law enforcement. Taylor has aired an ad featuring 13 local sheriffs endorsing her campaign, while Rutinel has rolled out a safety plan that includes increased funding for police departments and drug prevention programs.

The Republican Party's emphasis on border security and law enforcement is gaining momentum ahead of the midterm elections, a strategy that may be seen as a return to their tough-on-crime message.

Several lawmakers, including Senator Eric Schmitt, are arguing that the party needs to remind voters about its accomplishments in this area. According to Schmitt, the fact that border security has become less prominent in headlines is actually a sign of progress, rather than a cause for concern. Having secured the border, he believes the party should be proud of its achievement.

A recent poll conducted by AP-NORC found that while 48% of U.S. adults still approve of President Trump's performance on border security, this number has declined from 55% just a year ago. This shift in public opinion may suggest that the issue is becoming less relevant to voters, but Republicans are pushing forward with their strategy.

Not all party members share this enthusiasm for rehashing the crime message. Senator Thom Tillis, who chose not to seek reelection this year, expressed doubts about its effectiveness as a campaign issue. He believes it will not resonate with voters and may even backfire.

In North Carolina, Republicans are testing the waters by running ads claiming that Democratic nominee Roy Cooper was too lenient on convicts during his time in office. This move is part of their broader effort to make the upcoming election a referendum on crime.

Critics have accused Republicans of resorting to racist tactics in their campaign ads, drawing parallels with past efforts to appeal to suburban white voters.

The ads display mugshots of men of color, evoking memories of infamous campaigns like the 1988 Willie Horton ad. This move has sparked outrage among Black leaders who view it as a deliberate attempt to whip up fear and division.

In contrast, Senator Thom Tillis highlighted North Carolina's relatively low crime rate in recent years. He shared his own personal experience of feeling safe in Charlotte, where he lives just 25 minutes from downtown.

National Democrats have seized on the disconnect between Republicans' tough-on-crime rhetoric and the Trump administration's immigration policies. They point to the tragic deaths of American protesters and undocumented individuals as evidence that the president's actions are more likely to fuel violence than prevent it.

Senator Ruben Gallego, an Arizona Democrat, has gone further, describing the White House as a criminal organization due to its alleged corruption and self-dealing.

The White House has pushed back against criticism from some lawmakers, accusing them of attempting to shift attention away from what it calls a radical soft on crime agenda". According to a White House spokeswoman, extreme Democrats are trying to deflect from their own policies.

This counter-attack comes as Republicans have sought to regain traction with voters by emphasizing tough-on-crime stances ahead of the midterm elections. The strategy aims to tap into public concerns about safety and law enforcement.

ABC News Politics: https://abcnews.com/Politics/wireStory/republicans-return-tough-crime-message-ahead-difficult-midterm-137023931