House Republicans are set to choose their leadership team on Nov. 10, just one week after Election Day, according to two GOP aides who requested anonymity to discuss internal scheduling. The timeline, first reported by Politico, includes a two-hour candidate forum that morning, followed by votes for leader, whip, conference chair, and other posts.
Lawmakers have until noon on Nov. 6 to declare their candidacies, the outlet said. If the GOP retains control of the House, a formal floor vote for Speaker will occur in January when the new Congress convenes.
The announcement comes as Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) faces an uncertain path forward. With midterm election forecasts showing Democrats favored to retake the chamber, some Republicans are privately weighing alternatives to Johnson.
Johnson, who initially suggested in a Fox News interview that he might return to Louisiana if the GOP lost the majority, has since walked back that idea. His spokesperson downplayed the speculation, and Johnson later told CBS News he intends to remain leader even in the "unlikely scenario" of a Democratic House.
"I expect my colleagues would ask me to continue leading this conference, even if we have divided government," Johnson said. He added, "But what I believe is, I'm going to be the Speaker of the House for at least two more years."
Despite Johnson's confidence, some GOP lawmakers and aides have told The Hill that a leadership challenge could emerge if the party suffers significant losses. Among the names floated as potential replacements are House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) and House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), both of whom could vie for the minority leader post if Republicans fall short.
The leadership election schedule is one of several election-related developments drawing attention. With voter trust and election integrity becoming key themes, the GOP's internal choices will shape its strategy heading into the next Congress.
Republicans are also watching former President Trump's final campaign push and other races that could influence the party's direction. The outcome of the midterms will determine whether the leadership elections are for a majority or minority conference, a distinction that will heavily affect the party's legislative agenda and internal dynamics.
