Speaker Johnson Breaks Silence On Recent Election Loss
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) isn’t buying the media spin after Democrats scored victories in several deep-blue states this week. Despite major outlets celebrating the results as a “sign of things to come,” Johnson says the numbers tell a very different story.
Democrats celebrated wins in the Virginia and New Jersey governor’s races and the New York City mayoral election, claiming the results signal trouble for Republicans in the 2026 midterms. But Johnson reminded voters that these contests took place in Democrat strongholds — areas that haven’t voted red in decades.
“What happened last night was blue states and blue cities voting blue,” Johnson said during a Wednesday press briefing. “We all saw that coming. Off-year elections don’t predict what’s ahead — history teaches that clearly.”
Johnson: “Republicans Are Angry — and That’s Fuel for Victory”
The Louisiana Republican said the results were no reflection on the GOP’s strength or message, but rather a reminder that conservative voters are frustrated with the state of Washington — and ready to take that anger to the ballot box next time.
“People are frustrated and angry — I am, the president is — and that energy is going to help us win even bigger,” Johnson said. “We’re running on results. We’ll re-elect our incumbents and grow our majority.”
Trump Responds: Shutdown Played a Role in GOP Losses
President Trump also weighed in, acknowledging that the ongoing government shutdown, now stretching into a record-breaking 36 days, likely hurt Republicans in local races. The Senate on Tuesday failed for the 14th time to pass a Republican-backed plan to reopen the government, as Democrats continue to block relief for millions of Americans impacted by the impasse.
Johnson made it clear where the blame lies:
“It’s very clear who’s responsible for this. Democrats have chosen politics over progress,” he said. “When Americans go to vote next year, they’ll remember which party fought to reopen the government — and which one refused.”
Republicans Eye 2026 With Confidence
Despite the short-term losses, Johnson said Republicans are “very bullish” heading into 2026, pointing to Trump’s growing approval ratings, strong border enforcement policies, and the GOP’s consistent defense of American workers and families.
“We have an extraordinary record to run on,” Johnson said. “The contrast couldn’t be clearer — Republicans are rebuilding the country, and Democrats are tearing it down.”
As the government shutdown continues, both Trump and Johnson say the American people are waking up to the difference between leadership that gets results and political gamesmanship from the left.
