House Ways and Means chairman calls for delay in GOP leader election

Published Updated



House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) is urging his Republican colleagues to delay anointing a new leader as the party comes to terms with losing the majority in the 2026 midterm elections.

Smith said that an internal GOP caucus vote scheduled for Tuesday to replace Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) should be shelved until the party can better understand “how and why we lost the trust of the American people. “

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.