The House of Representatives commenced voting for its next speaker today, following the nomination of Republican Rep. Mike Johnson. This election comes after Johnson's initial appointment in late October when he succeeded Kevin McCarthy. The stakes are high, as Johnson requires a minimum of 218 votes from his fellow Republicans to secure the position. With the Republican Party holding 219 seats, any defection could jeopardize his candidacy.
Democrats have rallied around Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, nominating him as their candidate for the speakership. The political dynamics within the House are tense, with Democrats holding 215 seats, creating a razor-thin margin for a potential Republican victory. Notably, President-elect Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Johnson, urging party members to unify behind him.
"Good luck today for Speaker Mike Johnson, a fine man of great ability, who is very close to having 100% support," Trump stated ahead of the vote.
As the voting process unfolded, it became clear that Johnson was facing challenges. Several Republicans expressed dissent, notably Rep. Thomas Massie from Kentucky, who cast his vote for Rep. Tom Emmer on the first ballot. Additionally, Rep. Ralph Norman from South Carolina opted for Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio. The defection of these members raised concerns about Johnson's ability to secure the necessary votes.
The ongoing voting process as of 1:36 p.m. ET revealed that Johnson was on track to fall short of the required majority after multiple Republicans opted for alternative candidates. Observers noted that if Johnson were to lose even one more Republican vote, his chances of becoming speaker would diminish significantly.
"A win for Mike today will be a big win for the Republican Party, and yet another acknowledgment of our 129 year most consequential Presidential Election!!" Trump emphasized in a follow-up statement.
Representing a district in Louisiana, Johnson's current term as speaker officially ended at 11 a.m. ET today, adding urgency to the proceedings. His supporters remain hopeful that he can rally enough votes to overcome internal party divisions and maintain Republican leadership in the House.
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