United States lawmakers have re-elected Mike Johnson as House Speaker, securing his position on the first ballot.
Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, garnered 218 votes, overcoming initial hurdles as key GOP detractors flipped their votes in his favour at the last moment.
Despite the victory, Johnson faces the formidable challenge of navigating Congress with the slimmest House majority in nearly a century. Initially, his path to reelection seemed uncertain, with three Republican defections threatening his prospects.
Rep. Thomas Massie cast his vote for Rep. Tom Emmer, Rep. Ralph Norman supported Rep. Jim Jordan, and Rep. Keith Self backed Rep. Byron Donalds. With all members voting, Johnson could afford only a single defection.
However, the vote remained open for an extended period, allowing Johnson to secure the necessary support. Ultimately, both Self and Norman reversed their initial positions, throwing their weight behind Johnson and enabling his victory.
Speaking about the process, Johnson clarified that he made no promises to sway Self and Norman.
He emphasised his commitment to uniting the party, stating that he is “ready to get to work.” Republican Rep. Andy Ogles echoed this sentiment, noting that the shift was driven by persistence rather than backroom deals. “It was just a matter of getting it done,” Ogles remarked.
President-elect, Donald Trump extended his congratulations to Johnson, praising him on Truth Social for his leadership and vision.
He said, “Congratulations to Speaker Mike Johnson for receiving an unprecedented Vote of Confidence in Congress. Mike will be a Great Speaker, and our Country will be the beneficiary. The People of America have waited four years for Common Sense, Strength, and Leadership. They’ll get it now, and America will be greater than ever before!”
What to know about the House speaker vote
- Republican Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana won reelection as speaker of the House on Friday, emerging victorious after a pair of GOP members switched their votes to deliver him a majority and open the 119th Congress.
- Johnson needed 218 votes to secure the gavel, and at first appeared to fall two votes short. He huddled with allies and conservative members for about an hour as he seemed headed for defeat. A dramatic scene played out when two of the holdouts — Reps. Keith Self and Ralph Norman — eventually approached the dais and switched their votes, putting Johnson over the top. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky was the only remaining Republican defector.
- After the vote, Self and Norman told reporters they spoke to Johnson and President-elect Donald Trump, who stressed the need for party unity. They both said Johnson reassured them that he would fight to advance Trump’s agenda with Republicans in control of Congress and the White House.
- A multi-round speaker’s election threatened to derail the first day of the new Congress, but Johnson’s victory allows the GOP majority to move on to other matters, including the counting of the Electoral College votes on Monday, Jan. 6.
- Trump endorsed Johnson earlier this week, boosting his candidacy after some conservatives expressed doubts about his ability to lead the GOP conference.
