House Speaker Mike Johnson draws on faith as he fights to hold the Republican majority

House Speaker Mike Johnson says Republicans will keep their majority in the Nov. 3 midterm elections, even as Democrats gain momentum late in the race. Speaking to The Associated Press during a stop in Bangor, Maine, he pointed to the crowds he has drawn, the strength of his candidates, and nearly half a billion dollars raised for House Republicans. He expects a working majority rather than a giant one, and said the mood resembles 2024, according to ABC News.

Johnson has led the chamber for three years, usually with no votes to spare, and steered Donald Trump's tax and social service cuts bill through it. Representative Mark Harris of North Carolina said Johnson tends to prevail after others write him off. Voter anger over prices and the Iran war, which Congress has not authorized, presents a challenge. Critics also say Congress has surrendered ground to the White House, which Johnson rejects, saying lawmakers used their own constitutional powers.

If Republicans win, Johnson offered few specifics beyond lower taxes and less regulation, and said he would revise House rules. Hakeem Jeffries is already drafting a first-100-days plan for Democrats. Johnson credits his faith for guiding him and says, "You run to win."

Summarized by PolitiKool from ABC News’s reporting. Read the full story at ABC News →