Johnson predicts GOP will keep House majority while campaigning for LePage in Maine

House Speaker Mike Johnson visited Maine's second congressional district on October 14 to support Republican candidate Paul LePage, a two-term former governor. Speaking at Sea Dog Brewing Co. in Bangor, Johnson told a small crowd that he disagreed with polling and expectations that Republicans were heading toward defeat in the November 3 election. He said he believed the party would maintain its narrow House majority, according to the Associated Press report carried by ABC News and other outlets. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]

The report described the Democratic-held district as one of Republicans' best chances to flip a seat. Johnson's October campaigning is scheduled to cover more than 20 states and 40 districts in a final push before elections that will determine control of Congress for the remainder of President Donald Trump's term. He argued that candidates such as LePage would help Republicans retain control. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]

The AP report said Republicans were increasingly defending candidates in their own strongholds as voters faced high gasoline prices, Trump's tariff policies and the war against Iran. Democrats were reaching into districts that had supported Trump and preparing an agenda for their first 100 days if they regained control. Johnson said his experience on the campaign trail suggested a different picture, describing crowds supporting Republican candidates, including in southern Texas earlier in the week. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]

Johnson acknowledged that his party would have to defy history, noting that the president's party rarely wins in midterm elections. He said voter turnout was critical, echoing LePage's message to the gathering. His confidence about the outcome was a prediction made during the campaign rather than a result of the election. [ 2 , 4 ]