Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) was quick to assert that he wouldn't challenge House colleague Mike Johnson for speaker if Republicans hold the majority in November — but it's a different matter if they lose, according to a new report.
Scalise delivered a slew of non-answers to Punchbowl News' Jake Sherman Friday morning as the reporter grilled him on a potential attempt to claim Johnson's gavel.
“Would you run against him for minority leader?” asked Sherman.
“We’re not going to be in the minority," Scalise replied.
“But would you?” Sherman pressed.
“I’m honored to be the majority leader," Scalise replied. "You know, you don’t take anything for granted. But I want to be running for majority leader the week after the elections here in November.”
“Would you run against him for minority leader?” Sherman asked again.
“I’m not focused on any other seat," Scalise claimed. "Obviously all my energy right now [is] put into helping us keep the majority. And every member’s energy should be focused on helping us keep the majority.”
Scalise never gave a direct answer — which Sherman argued was notable in itself.
"That non-answer will get noticed in GOP leadership suites and around Washington just 81 days out from Election Day," he wrote.
"If Johnson and House Republicans lose the majority on Election Day, plenty of GOP lawmakers will want a different face atop the conference. Scalise is leaving the door wide open for that possibility."
Scalise's question dodging comes as Republicans face a tight race to hold onto their majority in the House, which even the Republican majority leader was willing to admit.
While Scalise claimed it was “very possible” Republicans could claim a six-seat majority in 2027, he also acknowledged a slate of challenges — high gas prices and President Donald Trump's war with Iran among them.
“I’m not saying we’re just going to roll into some kind of easy bunch of races," said Scalise. “Every seat’s a dog fight."
