Republican Mike Johnson secured his position as House Speaker on a first ballot, overcoming resistance from hardline GOP members. The victory, bolstered by President-elect Donald Trump's support, came after a tense roll call marked by initial opposition and last-minute switches in votes. Johnson's narrow win signals potential challenges for his leadership and President-elect Trump's agenda under unified Republican control.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson , R-La., talks to reporters after the House approved a funding bill to avert the government shutdown , at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.
As the most recent speaker, Johnson’s weak grip on the gavel threatens not only his own survival but President-elect Trump’s ambitious agenda of tax cuts and mass deportations as Republicans sweep to power. “House Democrats are united behind the most powerful legislative leader in this chamber,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., of Jeffries, recounting the many times their votes bailed out Johnson to ensure passage of important legislation.
Congress has been here before, when it took Republicans nearly a week and 15 rounds of voting to elect Kevin McCarthy as speaker in 2023, a spectacle unseen in modern times. McCarthy was then dumped by his party, a historic first, but he was also part of a long list of GOP speakers chased to early exits.
What’s unclear is what other concessions Johnson can make to win support. Two years ago, McCarthy handed out prime favors that appeared to only weaken his hold on power.
House Speaker Mike Johnson Republican Party Donald Trump Government Shutdown
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