In the News

Politico

September 14, 2022

What's happening: Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) is seeking a second term as House Republican vice chair, a move that comes after Rep. Elise Stefanik announced she is seeking a second term as conference chair.

POLITICO had previously reported Johnson was eying the role of GOP messaging chief if Stefanik sought another position in the conference, but with the New York Republican publicly announcing her candidacy in a statement on Tuesday, Johnson has already publicly stated that he “fully” supports her bid for another term. And now he wants members to support his.

He’s running, again: “I’m so proud of everything that we have accomplished this Congress when it comes to outworking and out-messaging House Democrats by a 2-1 margin on the House floor, in earned media, and on social media,” Johnson said in a statement first provided to POLITICO. “After the job of delivering a GOP majority is done in November, I intend to run for another term as Vice Chairman for the 118th Congress.”

ICYMI: As for the conference chair race, this week has been busy. We scooped that freshman Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) was looking to launch his official bid for the role on Thursday, as Stefanik remained mum on her next steps. Just a few hours later, Stefanik announced that she would seek a second term, with GOP sources saying her hand was likely forced by Donalds to announce despite trying to keep her options open until after the election. Donalds, for his part, gave an exclusive interview to POLITICO saying he plans to stay in the race, despite Stefanik's entrance alongside a strong showing of support among top GOP leaders.

Some on Capitol Hill, though, are relieved that Stefanik has now shared where she wants to go next. Certain members were starting to get antsy and frustrated as she kept mum about her future moves. Now, her decision is freeing up people like Johnson to figure out their next steps, and also offers clarity into the already heated three-way race for the whip role if Republicans win the majority.

When asked by POLITICO today about her thoughts on Donalds' challenge, Stefanik replied:

"I was a rising star freshman too once & I think he has a bright future ahead. It's very clear that I have the honor to earn the overwhelming support of the vast majority of the conference in a very short period of time."

Background: Johnson previously served as the head of the Republican Study Committee, the biggest GOP caucus on Capitol Hill. And he too is likely to receive a strong showing of support among his colleagues in seeking another term.

###