Things are not looking good for Speaker Johnson. Fails on the first vote for Speaker

Things are not looking good for the Speaker of the House Johnson on the first vote. Three have voted for “Others”. Johnson could only afford 1 “other” vote assuming members vote along party lines.

What next?

There can be a 2nd vote taken or they can go back and try to solicit support from those who voted “Others”. In 2023, the House went through 15 votes over 4-day before electing then speaker McCarthy speaker. There is no other Republican who has put their name in the hat for the Speakership position.

Voting for “others”?

• Rep Massie (Kentucky)
• Rep Ralph Norman (South Carolina)
• Rep Keith Self (Texas)

The final tally has Johnson 216. Jeffries at 215. There were 3 “Others”

Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie has openly opposed Mike Johnson’s bid for Speaker, arguing that Johnson lacks the leadership needed to effectively represent the party and could jeopardize the GOP’s slim majority. Massie emphasized the need for a Speaker who can inspire the public and effectively communicate the party’s message to secure the majority for the second half of Trump’s term.

Massie is the most adament about voting against Johnson.

About a dozen other Republicans who were undecided going into the vote opted to back Johnson, including Reps. Andy Biggs (Arizona), Michael Cloud (Texas), Andy Harris (Maryland), Andrew Clyde (Georgia), Chip Roy (Texas) and Paul Gosar (Arizona).

So the horse trading begins. With Massie seemingly committed to his vote, it comes down to Norman and Self to push the speaker over the threshold of 218. That is assuming the likes of the other undecided, remain undecided.