Republicans in the US House of Representatives are likely to see their slim majority shrink in 2024, when unplanned departures reduce their numbers further into the presidential election.
Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Ohio) quietly announced this week he will step down next year in favor of more lucrative pursuits in his home state.
“After much thought and consideration, I have accepted the offer to lead Youngstown State University and will not be seeking an 8th term in Congress.” John wrote in a X posted this week. “This is a very difficult decision. However, this is not goodbye. I will continue to serve in the House for a few more months, and you will not despair. My office is open and my staff remains ready to serve you.”
Johnson, 69, has been in Congress since 2011.
His new gig will pay $410,000 annually — a significant increase on the $174,000 annual salary he earned as a member of Congress.
Rep. Bill Johnson called it quits next year to take a more lucrative job as president of Youngstown State University. CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
After much thought and consideration, I have accepted the offer to lead Youngstown State University and will not be seeking an 8th term in Congress. As I mentioned before, I am not looking for another job, because I like the job I have serving the people of the East…
— Rep. Bill Johnson (@RepBillJohnson) November 21, 2023
He is due to start on March 15, local news website Mahoning Matters reported – and the timing of his departure could complicate efforts to replace him in the reliably Republican seat.
If Johnson submits his resignation letter by Dec. 20, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine could schedule a special election to coincide with the March 2024 primary. But if his official resignation comes later, the seat could remain vacant until the November election, as an austerity measure cost, WMFJ reported.
More headaches for the GOP await on Long Island, where Rep. Disgraced George Santos faces another attempt to remove him from office next week. Santos faces federal fraud charges and has publicly admitted they fabricated much of his personal and professional history.
Republicans have a slim House majority. Shutterstock Speaker Mike Johnson will have a harder time managing his conference with fewer members. Shutterstock
Last week House Ethics Committee Chairman Michael Guest (R-Miss.) introduced a special resolution to oust Santos from the chamber after his committee issued a damning ethics report, revealing how the congressman spent campaign cash on botox, OnlyFans and other personal expenses. Other efforts to oust Santos have failed, but many are confident this time his opponent has the votes to get the job done.
If Santos leaves, Governor Hochul will call a special election – which Democrats are widely expected to win.
House Speaker Mike Johnson only controls a five-seat majority, one of the narrowest in history. Any early departure from the GOP would make it difficult for him to rein in his notoriously rambunctious colleagues.
“The GOP majority down to just two members means it will be more difficult for Speaker Johnson to run the House. He needs to make concessions to conservatives without alienating Republicans in Biden’s district. It’s a tall order that will involve him continuing to rely on Democrats to avoid future shutdowns,” said GOP strategist Ryan Girdusky.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
