House Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing back against national polling suggesting Democrats could regain control of the House of Representatives, insisting Republican enthusiasm across competitive congressional districts is considerably stronger than recent surveys indicate.
During Tuesday’s appearance on Fox News Channel’s “America’s Newsroom,” the Louisiana Republican challenged political analysts predicting significant Democratic gains in the November 3 midterm elections.
Johnson argued that traditional polling organizations are failing to accurately measure Republican support, particularly among voters who have become increasingly reluctant to participate in political surveys.
The speaker’s remarks came as Republicans intensified their campaign efforts across several battleground states, with Johnson traveling extensively to support candidates and defend his party’s narrow House majority.
Fox News host Dana Perino asked Johnson to respond to analysts who believe Democrats are positioned to take control of the chamber.
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“I’m going to give you a shot here to respond to some political analysts who say the House is gone, that the Dems are definitely going to be in the majority,” Perino said.
Johnson rejected that assessment, pointing to his conversations with voters and the reception Republican candidates have received during campaign appearances.
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“We’re excited,” Johnson said, explaining that he was campaigning in Texas before continuing an extensive schedule across eight states during the week.
“I have been doing this for almost two years, and I’m telling you, the polling is wrong,” the speaker declared.
Johnson argued that polling organizations are encountering difficulties reaching Republican voters, a problem he believes has contributed to inaccurate assessments of conservative support.
He specifically claimed that some polling organizations have acknowledged undersampling Republicans because many conservative voters no longer respond to political surveys.
The speaker also cited a recent CNN report examining historical polling errors, saying Republican candidates had been underestimated in October surveys during 14 of the previous 16 election cycles dating to 1994.
“Don’t buy it,” Johnson said, urging viewers to consider the political activity he has witnessed while campaigning in competitive congressional districts.
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“I’m telling you, I’m on the ground in the swing districts,” he continued, describing large crowds and substantial enthusiasm at Republican campaign events.
“It feels like 2024 to me,” Johnson added, comparing the current political atmosphere with the presidential election that returned Donald Trump to the White House. “We’re fired up!”
Speaker Johnson: “I’m telling you, the polling is WRONG.”
“DON’T BUY IT.”
They’re under sampling Republicans because Republicans don’t want to respond to polls anymore.
“I am seeing huge energy and crowds. It feels like 2024 to me. That’s not registering in the polls, and WE’RE FIRED UP.”
— Mr Producer (@RichSementa) October 13, 2026
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The speaker maintained that the energy he is witnessing has not been adequately reflected in public polling, although campaign attendance does not independently establish broader voter preferences.
Johnson’s comments followed new Fox News political ratings indicating Democrats hold advantages across enough congressional districts to challenge Republican control of the House.
The network’s October 13 assessment identified 219 seats with Democratic advantages, 198 with Republican advantages and 18 contests classified as tossups.
Those ratings represent electoral analysis rather than actual election results, and their accuracy will depend on turnout and voter decisions across individual districts.
Republicans are emphasizing their legislative record, including tax policy, border security and measures designed to encourage domestic investment, as they seek another two years controlling the House.
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Democrats have focused heavily on living costs, economic uncertainty and criticism of the Trump administration’s policies, arguing that voters want greater congressional oversight.
Johnson has also highlighted Republican fundraising, telling Fox News that the party’s congressional campaign operation has raised approximately $156 million during the election cycle.
The speaker’s campaign schedule includes appearances in numerous competitive districts, where Republicans are attempting to reach independent voters while encouraging their traditional supporters to participate.
Texas has become an important focus, particularly in South Texas congressional districts where Republicans have sought to expand their support among Hispanic voters.
Johnson has emphasized that maintaining the House majority would allow Republicans to continue advancing their legislative priorities alongside President Trump.
A Democratic majority, by contrast, would give the opposition party control over House committees, legislative scheduling and investigations involving the administration.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
