Mike Johnson: ‘Leaders have to take responsibility when things go wrong’

Mike Johnson says he will step away from Republican House leadership after the party’s heavy losses in the 3 November midterm elections. He said leaders must take responsibility when things go wrong, a stance that contrasts with Donald Trump’s refusal to accept blame for the results.

Johnson said he made his decision soon after election night, despite Republicans’ efforts to defy historical trends. Democrats are set to control both chambers: they have at least 55 Senate seats to Republicans’ 44, and at least 256 House seats to Republicans’ 169, with some races still unresolved. Republicans chose Jim Jordan to replace Johnson, while Democrats are yet to decide their leaders; Chris Van Hollen is challenging Chuck Schumer for the Senate role.