Rep. Mike Johnson narrowly won his first full two-year term as House speaker Friday, thanks to a boost from President-elect Donald Trump and a change of course from two far-right holdouts of the Republican Party.
Johnson, a Louisiana Republican and self-described “MAGA conservative,” received the 218 votes he needed to be re-elected president in the first round. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, the Democratic leader, received 215 votes.
A group of radical Republicans gathered in the back of the House during a tense roll call, one by one refusing to vote or choosing another lawmaker. Texas Rep. Keith Self, Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie and South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman all voted against Johnson in the initial vote. However, Self and Norman changed their vote after speaking with him away from the cameras.
Johnson entered the Capitol Friday morning, apparently optimistic about his chances of being re-elected as his conference chairman, despite growing frustrations from far-right members of the party. Some on the far right have become increasingly frustrated with Johnson’s leadership and his handling of funding fights such as the recent short-term spending bill.
Asked by a reporter what his message was to his holdouts, the Louisiana Republican replied: “We must unify,” adding that the election of the president “is not just about one person, but also about advancing the America First agenda , the mandate given. advanced by the American people.
Trump announced his support earlier this week. Before Friday’s vote, Trump said Johnson was “very close to having 100% support.”
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
