Opinion - Speaker Johnson confronts a rebellion from Republican women

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is encountering mounting criticism from several prominent Republican women, and the list of dissenters is growing. Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) has expressed frustration that Johnson has not scheduled a vote to ban congressional stock trading. Representative Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) is upset that a favored provision was excluded from the defense bill, accusing Johnson of misleading her and being outmaneuvered by Democrats.

Representative Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), a gubernatorial candidate, has reportedly been so disillusioned that she considered leaving Congress early a claim she denies though she admits to being frustrated. Meanwhile, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who plans to resign in January, has been demanding Johnsons removal for years, emphasizing a stark contrast between his treatment of Republican women and that of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).

McCarthy promoted a strategy aimed at increasing representation of women, minorities, and veterans in the Republican conference to better reflect the nations diversity, which some observers liken to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Some Republican women argue that Johnson, an evangelical who often emphasizes traditional gender roles, struggles to accommodate women exercising significant political power. Sources suggest he is undermining female members, potentially reducing their future presence in Congress. One member remarked, We arent taken seriously. Women who have achieved a lot are often ignored.

Johnsons position is challenging, given the extremely narrow Republican majority in the House, limiting his legislative maneuvering. At the same time, the Democratic Party appears poised to regain the majority, adding further pressure.

Complicating matters is former President Trump, whose unpredictable actions continue to dominate Republican attention. Even figures like Greene, who have clashed with him, maintain public loyalty. Compared with Trump, Johnson is politically mild, often becoming a convenient target for internal criticism.

Many observers note that Johnson occupies a role whose influence has diminished over time, leaving him to manage a Congress increasingly overshadowed by the executive branch. Greene has suggested that some Republican men in leadership positions are ineffective at advancing the partys agenda, highlighting a broader frustration with declining congressional power.

Whether Johnsons challenges stem from personal shortcomings, a misogynistic approach, or the constraints of an outdated leadership role, his hold on the speakership appears precarious. Internal disputes combined with external political pressures suggest his position could weaken significantly ahead of the next election cycle.

Author: Ethan Caldwell