House Speaker Mike Johnson insists Republicans will defy history in midterms: Quote me

WASHINGTON — Republicans are going to “defy history” and cling to the lower chamber on Nov.3 — despite widespread expectations of a blue wave, House Speaker Mike Johnson insists.Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Johnson (R-La.) was exceptionally optimistic about conservatives keeping the majority, arguing that it is “common sense” versus “communism.”Historically speaking, the party in control of the White House has lost House seats in all but two midterm election cycles since 1938.

“You can write it or quote me.I’ve been saying this over and over, but Republicans are going to defy history in 63 days, and we’re going to hold this House majority,” he insisted.“That’s for a simple reason because the American people recognize the historic stakes of this, and they really do understand that this is a contrast election,” the speaker added.

“It’s contrasted with common sense … and communism.This year is different.

2026 is different.This is going to be a midterm unlike any other.”Republicans have only 219 seats, including Independent California Rep.

Kevin Kiley, while Democrats’ seat count is set to jump to 214 after Everton Blair and Aisha Wahab get sworn in this week.This means that the GOP has just a three-seat majority.Johnson’s predecessor, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), recently chided that it would be a significant failure for Republicans if they lose the lower chamber, given all the redistricting that took place over the past year and a half.“I believe we can keep the majority and we should,” McCarthy told Newsmax last week.

“If we don’t, I think there’s something wrong with how we’re campaigning.”Polls have been bleak for Republicans, with Trump’s approval rating 17.5 percentage points underwater and the GOP down 6.4 points against Democrats on the generic congressional battle, according to the latest RealClearPolitics polling aggregates.Surveys have found widespread anxiety about affor...