WASHINGTON (AP) – House Speaker Mike Johnson is urging Republicans too refrain from publicly airing grievances about the party’s prospects in the upcoming election, as anxieties mount over the narrow GOP majority and recent electoral setbacks. The call for unity comes amid growing frustration within the party regarding economic concerns, legislative gridlock, and unfavorable redistricting decisions.
The pressure on Johnson reflects a broader unease among Republicans following Matt Van Epps’ win in a recent Tennessee special election, where his margin of victory-nearly 9 percentage points-was significantly smaller than the 20-point advantage held by a republican in the same district just a year prior. GOP Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska described the result as a “wakeup call,” arguing Republicans need “to get some economic progress, like instantly,” and that the White House needs to address the impact of tariffs.Bacon is one of a growing number of House Republicans planning to retire after this term.
Several Republicans have voiced concerns about the party’s ability to retain control of the House. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia abruptly announced her resignation last month, citing a legislature “mostly sidelined” this year.These retirements add to the challenge of defending open seats. A redistricting battle, initially pushed by former President Trump, has also backfired for the GOP, with California voters approving a new congressional map favorable to Democrats in November.
“That’s living in a fantasy world if you think that this redistricting war is what’s going to save the majority,” saeid Rep.Kevin kiley of California, who is now at risk of losing his seat due to the new map. He believes proactive legislation would have a greater impact.
The house currently operates with a slim Republican majority,making internal dissent especially damaging. Johnson’s request for discretion aims to prevent further public fracturing as the party prepares for a challenging election cycle.
