In the News

USA Today Network

September 19, 2022

Louisiana U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson is set to be the No. 5 leader in the House if Republicans can take control from Democrats, which he said places him in a key position to deliver on priorities for his 4th Congressional District and state.

Johnson, who in three terms has quickly climbed the GOP leadership ladder, announced he will seek reelection as vice-chairman of the House Republicans.

"(New York U.S. Rep.) Elise (Stefanik) decided to run for reelection, so that helped make my decision," said Johnson, who believes the existing GOP House leadership team is poised to remain in place if Republicans can flip the House.

"There's a good argument to keep the leadership team intact," Johnson said in an interview with USA Today Network.

Johnson, the only member of Louisiana's six-person House delegation who was reelected without opposition in the Nov. 8 election, is also unopposed in his bid to keep his vice-chair position within his party.

Democrats currently hold a razor-thin nine-seat majority in the House and are dead even in the Senate at 50-50 with Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris carrying the tie-breaking vote.

Many early national polls forecast a possible Republican "red wave" in the November mid-term elections to potentially capture both the House and the Senate, though more recent polls have narrowed the GOP advantage.

Johnson dismisses the polls, citing Democratic President Joe Biden's improving but still underwater approval ratings and past election results that consistently show the party in power loses ground in mid-terms.

"I still anticipate a sizeable red wave in the House and I actually still believe we'll win in the Senate," Johnson said. "I don't put much stock in the national polls.

"No matter where I go in the country people are upset about the direction. We're playing offense all across the country in districts that Biden won in 2020."

And because he was given a pass on his seat, Johnson has been able to focus on helping swing district candidates, which will also advance his future influence within the GOP ranks.

"Mike Johnson has already had a hand in the messaging that all of the Republicans are using during this election cycle," said Jeremy Alford, publisher of LaPolitics Weekly and The Tracker. "His position is slightly underappreciated because (GOP Louisiana Congressman) Steve Scalise captures a big spotlight as the party whip.

"But (Johnson) has really made that vice-chair position his own and used it to carve out new responsibility and influence."

Johnson's growing power within his party and the House could also strengthen Louisiana's hand.

"I'm expecting (Republicans) to secure a large majority during the mid-terms and I have to make sure I have a seat at the table (of leadership)," Johnson said. "And with my colleagues from the state also in position to secure key roles I think Louisiana is in a better position as a delegation than it ever has been. We're punching way above our weight."

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