House Speaker Johnson to Seek Reelection Amid GOP Tensions

House Speaker Mike Johnson announced Wednesday that he plans to seek reelection as leader of the House Republican conference in the next Congress, despite growing criticism from several party members who question his effectiveness amid internal divisions.

The declaration comes as Johnson navigates tensions within the slim Republican majority, particularly from a vocal group of conservative lawmakers aligned with President Donald Trump. Representative Elise Stefanik of New York, a prominent Trump ally and potential gubernatorial candidate, publicly challenged Johnson's leadership in a Tuesday interview, stating he was losing control of the party. "He certainly wouldn't have the votes to be speaker if there was a rollcall vote tomorrow," Stefanik said. "I believe that the majority of Republicans would vote for new leadership. It's that widespread."

The remarks followed a heated dispute between Stefanik and Johnson over a provision she proposed for the annual National Defense Authorization Act. The measure would require the FBI to notify Congress when launching investigations into presidential or federal candidates, aimed at preventing perceived political weaponization of...