A growing number of high-profile Republican women are openly challenging House Speaker Mike Johnson, creating a political storm inside the GOP that could reshape the party heading into 2026.
Despite the internal backlash, Johnson announced Wednesday that he will run again for speaker next Congress—insisting he is “not worried” about his position.
But many conservative women in Congress say otherwise.
Stefanik Drops Bombshell: Johnson “Wouldn’t Survive” a Vote Today
Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York—one of President Donald Trump’s strongest defenders in Washington—told The Wall Street Journal that Johnson has lost control of the conference and would not win a speaker vote if it were held right now.
“He certainly wouldn’t have the votes,” Stefanik said. “Most Republicans want new leadership. It’s that widespread.”
Her comments immediately sparked national attention, especially among conservative voters who have watched the GOP battle over spending fights, shutdown threats, and the future of the Trump agenda.
MAGA Women Say Johnson Is ‘Marginalizing’ Them
Stefanik’s criticism isn’t isolated. Several MAGA-aligned congresswomen have accused Johnson of sidelining conservative voices—especially conservative women who helped drive the GOP’s success under President Trump.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) recently blasted Johnson for “marginalizing” Republican women. Greene, who says she is stepping down in January after a falling-out with the president, told The Washington Post that Johnson’s leadership is weakening the party at a crucial moment.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) added fuel to the fire by filing a discharge petition to bypass Johnson and force a vote banning congressional stock trading. She posted on X:
“I’m not nervous. I’m p*****, lol… Insider trading is out of control. I hope Speaker Johnson backs me on this.”
Her post went viral among conservative voters angry over congressional perks and lack of accountability.
Johnson Stands Firm as GOP Women Warn of a “Sea Change”
When CNN asked whether he would run for speaker again, Johnson responded instantly:
“Absolutely.”
He later told reporters he is “not worried at all,” saying disagreements are normal within a large conference.
But inside the party, some Republican women are sounding alarms. Two female GOP lawmakers told NBC News that Johnson is “undercutting” them and undermining the future of conservative women in Congress.
“It’s a sea change—for the worse,” one said. “I’m worried there will be fewer Republicans in Congress next year—and fewer Republican women.”
Another added: “We aren’t taken seriously. These women worked hard, earned their positions, and they’re ignored.”
Trump’s Support Helps Johnson—But May Not Save Him
President Trump is still publicly backing Johnson, and many credit Trump for keeping the party from completely fracturing during tough legislative fights. But even Trump’s support may have limits.
Stefanik drew a clear contrast in a Politico interview:
“One has historic support among Republican voters—and one has catastrophic, plummeting support among Republican voters.”
Her meaning was unmistakable: Trump remains strong. Johnson does not.
A Shrinking Future for GOP Women?
The revolt could have long-term consequences. Several influential conservative women are already leaving:
- Marjorie Taylor Greene is stepping down in January.
- Elise Stefanik is running for governor in 2026.
- Nancy Mace is also running for governor.
These departures could shrink the number of conservative women in Congress—just as voters seek stronger female voices supporting America First policies.
The Bottom Line
Republican women aren’t just questioning Mike Johnson’s leadership—they are openly rebelling. And with Trump poised to drive the GOP agenda for years to come, the speaker’s ability to unify the party is being tested like never before.
Whether Johnson survives this uprising—or whether conservative women reshape the party’s leadership—will be one of the biggest stories heading into the next election cycle.