'Johnson is not a force'
Nia-Malika Henderson for Bloomberg Opinion on House Speaker Mike Johnson:
Although Johnson’s fundraising numbers are at a record high, with a haul of $82 million in 2025, Nancy Pelosi he is not. As speaker, Pelosi, who is retiring this year, let members vote their districts, even if it ran counter to her party’s position. She was a legislative tactician, helping muscle through landmark legislation in the Barack Obama and Joe Biden administrations, even with a small majority. And more than that, her charismatic personality, the memes and the quips, helped brand the party as a force.
Johnson is not a force. More follower than leader, he has spent much of this year standing back, watching as his power and the power of his chamber are eroded.
It’s no wonder so many Republicans want out.