Speaker Mike Johnson of Shreveport predicts red wave for Congress, Trump to take White House

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Shreveport predicts a GOP sweep in the fall elections to take complete control of Congress and the return of Republican Donald Trump to the White House in his reelection campaign statement issued to USA Today Network that also criticized President Joe Biden.

Johnson, who unexpectedly became the first U.S. House speaker from Louisiana last October as a compromise candidate, qualified to run for reelection in his own 4th Congressional District this week.

The new boundaries for the 4th District, which is grounded in northwestern Louisiana, expanded to the northeast to take in all of Lincoln Parish and much of Ouachita Parish while shedding a portion of Shreveport to the new majority Black 6th Congressional District.

"It is the honor of my lifetime to serve the hardworking people of Louisiana's 4th District in Congress," Johnson said. "Kelly and I are so grateful for the support Louisianians have provided us as I transitioned into the speakership this past fall, and we continue to fight every single day for our great state.

"The House passed critically important legislation to unleash American energy, secure the border and bring down costs for small businesses and working families. With President Trump in the White House and Republican majorities in Congress, we will deliver on these priorities and reverse the decline brought on by the Biden Administration.

"Our great country is worth fighting for. Louisiana's unique culture, heritage and values are part of who we are and that has prepared us to help lead our country forward in these historic times. I look forward to making that case to voters across our district and earning their support again this November."

Johnson is an overwhelming favorite, but he has drawn one opponent so far - Joshua Morott, a Republican who lists an address of Benton, Ark., on his qualifying paperwork.

Qualifying for the Nov. 5 election continues through Friday.

More: Speaker Mike Johnson qualifies for reelection, poised to retain top job in Congress

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1. 

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Speaker Mike Johnson predicts Trump triumph, GOP wave in campaign statement