Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Ohio, will retire early, dwindling the GOP majority to 219

Republican Rep. Bill Johnson of Ohio will leave Congress at the end of the month to start a new role as Youngstown State University’s newest president, leaving Republicans with a bare majority of power.

Johnson already announced he was not running for reelection in 2024 after accepting the role to lead the university. In a November social media post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Johnson wrote that although he was not running for reelection, “I will continue serving in the House for several more months, and you will see no let up.”

A letter written on behalf of the YSU Board of Trustees was addressed to the YSU community, and stated that Johnson submitted his letter of resignation from Congress on Tuesday, which will become “effective at the end of day on January 21, 2024.” It added that he will assume his new role on Jan. 22.

“With his contract indicating he would start prior to March 15, 2024, we are excited to have him on campus earlier than anticipated,” Michael Peterson, YSU Board of Trustees chair, wrote in the letter.

Johnson's resignation leaves Republicans with just 219 seats compared to 213 for Democrats, which means the majority party can lose no more than two votes on any partisan bills during votes that are fully attended.

Johnson is just the latest member to end a term early. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) also departed at the end of December, while former Rep. George Santos (R-NY) was expelled last month.

Democrats currently only need to net five additional seats in the next election this year to flip the House — and that number could go down if they're able to pick up Santos’ former seat, which sits in a swing district, during the upcoming special election.

Johnson’s seat is considered “Solid R” by the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter.

The Messenger was unable to reach Johnson’s office for comment.

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Latest House Departure Further Dwindles Slim GOP Majority