The U.S. midterm election defeat has sparked infighting among House Republicans, with several members questioning whether House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican leaders can remain in office in next week's party leadership election. Johnson had for months insisted the Republicans could overcome the setback and retain their majority in the House, but his post-defeat rhetoric of the outcome as almost inevitable has fueled discontent within the party. One Republican lawmaker stated that all members of the Republican leadership will face challengers, while others believe Johnson is no longer capable of leading the House Republicans. Republican lawmakers attributed the defeat to multiple factors, including the Iran war, the ICE controversy, inflation, rising fuel prices, and insufficient government attention to economic and livelihood issues. Richard Hudson, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, responsible for maintaining the Republican majority in the House, also lost his seat. Johnson has not yet formally announced whether he will run for Minority Leader. While Trump publicly praised Johnson, he did not explicitly endorse his continued tenure, stating that the decision should be left to Johnson. The House Republican leadership election is scheduled for November 10, and candidates must announce their candidacy by November 6. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan are also considered potential contenders.
