Bill Johnson plans Jan. 21 House resignation to become Youngstown St. president

Ohio GOP Rep. Bill Johnson will resign from Congress on Jan. 21 to become the new head of Youngstown State University, a move that will further shrink the tight House GOP majority.

Johnson’s departure, coming on the heels of the resignation of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and the expulsion of Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), means Republicans will control just 219 seats. Once he leaves, the GOP can only lose two members of their conference for a vote to pass.

“Bill submitted his official resignation from Congress today, effective at the end of day on January 21, 2024, paving the way for him to begin his presidency this month,” Michael Peterson, chair of the school’s board of trustees, wrote in a message to the university community.

Peterson said the decision means having Johnson on campus “earlier than anticipated” and that the outgoing congressman will “continue to visit campus as often as his schedule allows to continue meeting with students, faculty and staff.”

Johnson announced his decision to accept the university post in late November, but had yet to announce a departure date from Congress.