Hayden Haynes, Speaker Mike Johnson’s longtime chief of staff, will leave the job in June, Johnson’s office confirmed Friday.
Haynes will be replaced by Garrett Fultz, Johnson’s deputy chief of staff.
Haynes has been by Johnson’s side for all of his key achievements since ascending to the speakership in 2023, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a sweeping domestic megabill considered the signature legislative accomplishment of President Donald Trump’s second term. The bill made it through the House by just a single vote last summer.
But his time in Johnson’s office has not been without controversy. In March 2025, he was arrested for a DUI on the night of Trump’s joint address to Congress. Haynes pleaded not guilty the following month.
Johnson stood by his top aide.
“I’ve worked with him,” he told reporters after Haynes’ arrest. “He’s trusted and respected. And he has my full faith and confidence.”
Punchbowl News first reported Haynes’ imminent departure.
