Mike Johnson claims brutal election defeat in Virginia was a 'good sign' for GOP

GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson is confident that Republicans can still add to their congressional majority in November despite failing to keep Virginia voters from approving a gerrymandered map on Tuesday that could hand Democrats four seats and a 10-1 majority in the state. "The Republican Party is going to keep and grow this majority," Speaker Johnson told reporters at the Capitol on Wednesday. "Last night was a good sign. Many of you thought that Republicans would not turn out for that ballot initiative vote, but they did in big numbers." Earlier in the day, Johnson called on the Virginia Supreme Court to throw out the voter-approved redistricting map, calling it a "boondoggle." Moments later, Virginia official announced that a Virginia circuit court blocked the voter-approved gerrymandering, less than a day after it passed.NEW: Speaker Johnson "absolutely convinced" the Republicans will grow the majority in the midterms."Last night was a good sign. Many of you thought that Republicans would not turn out for that ballot initiative vote, and they did in big numbers." pic.twitter.com/mrFdKVMpfE— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 22, 2026