Editor’s Note: Republican Mike Johnson was re-elected Friday afternoon as House speaker in a first round of voting Friday, overtaking far-right holdouts in the Republican Party and buoyed by a nod of support from the President-elect Donald Trump.
A group of radical Republicans gathered in the back of the House during a tense roll call on the first day of the new Congress, one by one refusing to vote or choosing another lawmaker. The standoff sparked further unrest, signaling trouble ahead under the unified control of Washington’s Republican Party.
In the end, however, Johnson managed to oust two remaining holdouts who decided to support him, drawing applause from Republicans.
Our original story continues below.
When the 119th Congress is sworn in on Friday, January 3, House Speaker Mike Johnson will once again fight for his political life.
If the Louisiana Republican enjoys the support of President-elect Donald Trump, it will be House Republicans who decide whether to re-elect him as House speaker. Far-right Republicans are sometimes frustrated with Johnson’s leadership and are inclined to demand concessions when their votes become essential.
Johnson holds one of the narrowest majorities in modern times, 220-215, after losing seats in the November election. This allows him to count on the support of almost all Republicans in the face of Democratic opposition.
If all 434 House members show up to vote, Johnson will need at least 218 votes, nearly all Republicans, for him to become president.
Voting for House speaker is expected to begin before 12 p.m. CT. The results will be officially declared by the registrar after a count.
“Good luck today to President Mike Johnson, a great man of great ability, who is on the verge of 100% support,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social article.
“A victory for Mike today will be a great victory for the Republican Party, and yet another recognition of our most important presidential election in 129 years!!” Trump wrote. “A GREAT STATEMENT, INDEED. MAGA!”
Johnson ascended to the presidency in October 2023 almost by accident after Republicans struggled to replace Kevin McCarthy, R-California, following his unprecedented impeachment. Johnson’s handling of key funding battles has turned at least a few allies into detractors.
Johnson was the fourth candidate considered to replace McCarthy.
McCarthy himself had only been president for nine months when he was removed from office – he was first elected president in January 2023 after four days of voting and 15 ballots.
NBC Chicago
