Speaker Johnson Jokes About Landscaping Career If GOP Loses House Majority
The House Speaker, while campaigning for Republican candidates, humorously suggested a career change if Democrats regain control of Congress.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has humorously suggested he might pursue a career in landscaping if the Republican Party loses its majority in the House of Representatives in the upcoming midterm elections. Johnson, currently engaged in campaigning across the country to support GOP candidates in their efforts to maintain their narrow lead, made the remarks in an interview with Fox News.
"Heaven forbid, if we lose this majority or whatever, I don't know what my next chapter of life is," Johnson stated. "If God moves on our hearts and says we should, you know, go back to my hometown of Shreveport and start a lawn business, I'll do that with equal fervor. I mean, I just want to be of my highest and best use to God and to my country."
A spokesperson for Johnson, Lance Trover, later clarified on social media that the Speaker's remarks were intended as a joke. "All the DC speculation about the Speaker because he dared to speculate about his potential future in the lawn care business is hilarious," Trover wrote, adding that focusing on this comment overshadows Johnson's significant fundraising efforts and travel schedule aimed at preserving the GOP's House majority.
Johnson emphasized his commitment to his current role, noting his extensive travel schedule. He also suggested that any potential loss of the majority should not be attributed to his performance, stating, "I don't know how it could be. I mean, I'm traveling non-stop."
Republicans currently hold a slim majority in the House, with Democrats aiming to regain control of both chambers of Congress. Despite national polling that has shown voter preference leaning towards Democratic candidates in recent months, Republicans have reported strong fundraising numbers, both nationally and in key battleground races. Former President Donald Trump has been actively campaigning in various states, urging conservative voters to turn out, though he has also expressed uncertainty about their engagement with him not being on the ballot.
The balance of power in Congress remains a central focus as the midterm elections approach. Republicans hold 53 seats in the Senate, needing to gain at least four to secure control, while their five-seat majority in the House is also at stake.