Speaker Mike Johnson hints at career move into landscaping if Democrats take the House after crucial midterms
House Speaker Mike Johnson joked that, if Republicans lose their narrow House majority in the November midterms, he could return to Louisiana and start a lawn-care business. The remark came as he campaigns to help Republicans retain control and has raised money for candidates, amid signs Democrats may gain ground.
Johnson said he had raised a record $156 million for GOP candidates and was confident Republicans could keep the House, though he suggested voters being “misled” could explain a loss. A spokesperson clarified that the lawn-business comment was a joke. Republicans currently control both chambers of Congress, but polling has favoured Democrats in the midterms; the article says Democrats need at least four Senate seats to take control of that chamber.
- Johnson joked about starting a lawn-care business if Republicans lose the House.
- He says he has raised $156 million for GOP candidates.
- Democrats are seeking control of Congress as midterms approach.
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Mike Johnson is Speaker of the House of Representatives, the top position in one of the two main chambers of the US Congress, which is America's national legislature. As Speaker, he is one of the most powerful figures in American politics.
Republicans currently hold the majority in the House, but their control is narrow. Next month, the US holds midterm elections, where voters elect representatives to Congress. Polls suggest Democrats could gain enough seats to take control of the House from Republicans.
Control of the House matters because that chamber has significant power over laws and government spending. The party in power determines Congress's priorities and can block the other party's proposals. Johnson's recent campaigning and fundraising efforts reflect how much is at stake in these elections for Republicans.