Staff Exodus Continues in Speaker Mike Johnson’s Office

Clear Facts

• Senior staff member, Raj Shah, Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications for Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), is reportedly leaving his position.
• This departure continues a concerning pattern of senior staff leaving Johnson’s office, including one communication staffer leaving recently and three senior policy staffers confirmed to be leaving at the end of May.
• Shah, one of Johnson’s first hires after becoming Speaker, has been instrumental in building the extensive communications staff for the Speaker’s office.

The office of Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is experiencing a destabilizing shake-up as Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications, Raj Shah, is poised to exit. This is the latest in a worrisome string of departures from Johnson’s senior staff.

Shah, who was among Johnson’s first appointments after his ascension to speakership, has been instrumental in shaping the Speaker’s key messaging and communications staff since October.

When Shah was informed of the intent to publish this report, he did not dispute his resignation plans. Instead, he requested a temporary halt on the story, which was denied.

“I needed an experienced leader with talent and gravitas to build and drive our message,” Johnson said. “I am grateful Raj agreed to step up and serve. He has become a trusted advisor and built an incredible communications team. Raj has fulfilled his commitment to us and I wish him continued success.”

The communications team Shah assembled appears to be on the verge of disbanding. One member already left the office recently under ambiguous terms.

In parallel news, Anang Mittal, formerly Head of Digital for Johnson, stepped down following allegations of underperformance and unprofessional behavior at the workplace. Moreover, earlier this week, it was reported the impending departure of three of Johnson’s senior policy staffers at the end of May.

In a statement, Shah lauded Johnson’s leadership. “It’s an honor to serve Speaker Johnson, especially through such an historic time,” he expressed. “He has shown tremendous leadership navigating the conference through difficult issues. Speaker Johnson has developed an authentic brand of a strong leader willing to make tough calls and place our nation and the institution first.”

Speaker Mike Johnson’s office is evolving rapidly, and the implications of these changes remain to be seen.

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