House Reelects Mike Johnson as Speaker Amidst Intense Negotiations

Topline

In a dramatic turn of events, the House voted on Friday to reelect Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) as Speaker after a tense and closely contested session. Initially, Johnson faced significant resistance from a small but influential group of Republicans, prompting last-minute negotiations and intervention from President-elect Donald Trump. Despite the pushback, Johnson secured the votes needed to retain his position.

The Vote and Negotiations

Johnson’s reelection appeared uncertain during the first ballot. With all Democrats supporting Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Johnson could afford only one Republican voting against him. The vote was kept open as Johnson retreated to a private chamber to negotiate with Republican holdouts. These negotiations proved successful, as most of the dissenters—with the exception of Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.)—changed their votes to support Johnson.

Massie, who had publicly expressed opposition to Johnson earlier in the week, voted against him alongside Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) and Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas). However, both Norman and Self eventually switched their votes following private discussions. Key Republicans, including Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Rep. Michael Cloud (R-Texas), Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.), Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.), and Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), initially abstained during the first ballot.

Trump’s Influence

Although the specifics remain unclear, reports suggest that President-elect Trump played a crucial role in swaying Norman and Self’s decisions. Trump had endorsed Johnson earlier in the week, calling him “the one that can win right now.” According to multiple outlets, Trump directly spoke to both congressmen before they changed their votes.

Crucial Quote

“Congratulations to Speaker Mike Johnson for receiving an unprecedented Vote of Confidence in Congress,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social following the vote. “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!”

Key Background

The 119th Congress officially began at noon on Friday, but the swearing-in of its members hinged on the reelection of Johnson or the selection of a new Speaker. While the election of a House Speaker is often seen as a routine procedure, recent years have highlighted its potential for drama. Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) needed 15 rounds of voting over several days to secure his position in 2023 before being ousted later that year, paving the way for Johnson’s speakership.

In addition to Trump’s endorsement, Johnson also received public support from Tesla CEO and Trump ally Elon Musk, further solidifying his position.