Speaker Johnson Squeaks Through a Tense Vote and Secures Leadership
Description
In a razor-thin victory, Mike Johnson was reelected as Speaker of the House with a 218-215 vote.
The drama unfolded as Johnson initially appeared poised to lose. A tense roll call saw several hardline Republicans withholding their support, including Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, who ultimately voted against Johnson.
Johnson managed to flip the remaining two holdouts after a private huddle on the House floor and a call from President-elect Donald Trump.
Their late switches gave him just enough to secure the gavel, avoiding a repeat of the 15-vote marathon that Kevin McCarthy endured in 2023.
The vote was crucial, as the 119th Congress could not begin work until a speaker was elected. Johnson received praise from Trump and promised to cut government spending and target what he calls a "totalitarian fourth branch of government known as the administrative state."
Progressives have come out warning that that could include cuts in Medicare and Social Security.
The narrow outcome highlights the deep Republican divisions as Congress embarks on a new legislative session.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
United States
