House Speaker Mike Johnson plans to step aside from Republican Party leadership following the GOP’s defeat in the midterm elections , opting not to seek support to remain House minority leader in the next Congress, according to two individuals familiar with his decision.

Johnson is expected to keep his seat as a rank-and-file member of the House representing Louisiana when Congress convenes in January. He secured reelection to an eighth term in office from his Shreveport-area district.

The decision marks a rapid rise and fall for Johnson, widely viewed as an accidental speaker, who aligned closely with President Donald Trump and guided the House GOP through a tumultuous era defined by one of the slimmest majorities in modern times.

His exit triggers an intense internal party struggle for the position of GOP leader following the sweeping Democratic win.

House Speaker Mike Johnson will be stepping aside from Republican Party leadership (Reuters)

Rep.…