WASHINGTON — Mike Johnson, a Republican, managed to win reelection as House speaker on the first ballot amid a challenging atmosphere, narrowly surpassing obstinate far-right GOP members. His victory was bolstered by support from President-elect Donald Trump, who made calls from a golf course to influence dissenting lawmakers.
The occasion marked a tumultuous beginning to the new Congress. A group of hardline Republicans gathered in a corner of the House chamber, with several choosing not to vote for Johnson or opting for other candidates. The grim expression on Johnson’s face indicated the mounting difficulties ahead as Trump returns to the White House, maintaining a firm grip on GOP power in Washington.
Facing resistance, Johnson ultimately managed to sway two holdout colleagues to vote in his favor, aided by Trump’s intervention. The concluding count stood at 218-215 in Johnson’s favor. In his first remarks as speaker, Johnson expressed a commitment to reform, stating, “We’re going to drastically cut back the size and scope of government,” signaling a departure from traditional political operations.
Johnson’s precarious hold on the speaker role poses challenges not only for his position but also for Trump’s comprehensive plans, including tax reductions and significant immigration reforms as Republicans regain control of both the House and the Senate. The narrow vote illustrates the internal divisions within the GOP, even with Trump’s expected backing unassuredly retaining votes for Johnson.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries urged a collaborative approach, advocating for unity and cooperation beyond party lines to effectively address the needs of the American people. What was intended to be a ceremonial inauguration day for newly elected lawmakers transformed into a critical moment for the selection of the House speaker, one of the most influential roles in Washington. Vice President Kamala Harris officiated the swearing-in of senators.
While the Senate has already taken its first steps, appointing its party leaders—Sen. John Thune as the Republican majority leader and Sen. Chuck Schumer as the Democratic minority leader—the House had to resolve its leadership first. Electing a speaker remains a constitutional obligation and is second in line to presidential succession.
Johnson arrived at Congress with an air of confidence, despite resistance from his party. His failure to secure the speaker’s position could have jeopardized the upcoming congressional certification of Trump’s 2024 election victory. Trump’s endorsement and direct calls during the voting process were pivotal, with Trump later declaring on social media that “Mike will be a Great Speaker, and our Country will be the beneficiary.”
Congress has faced such predicaments previously; it took the Republicans nearly a week and repeated votes to confirm Kevin McCarthy as their speaker in 2023, a scenario that was uncharacteristic in modern history. McCarthy’s removal marked a historic moment, highlighting a culture of instability within the party as leaders have faced early dismissals.
With Trump’s return looming and enhanced control over both chambers of Congress, the stakes are elevated. Johnson worked fervently to maintain his role, spending New Year’s Day alongside Trump at Mar-a-Lago. He often likens himself to a “quarterback,” executing strategies laid out by the “coach,” referring to the president-elect.
The tension during the roll call vote was palpable, as numerous Republicans abstained from voting, particularly from the Freedom Caucus. The situation reached a turning point when a few of these dissenters unexpectedly shifted their votes. However, Johnson’s support remained contingent on rallying assistance from a handful of colleagues. Notably, Rep. Thomas Massie from Kentucky cast his vote elsewhere, refusing to shift his stance.
Eventually, Johnson’s allies conversed with two dissident Representatives, Ralph Norman from South Carolina and Keith Self from Texas, providing support through phone calls from Trump. Afterward, Johnson returned to the floor, energized as the two previously resistant members supported him, prompting cheers from the assembly.
Once the voting concluded, Johnson and the other House members were officially sworn in. His slim majority poses significant risks, exacerbated by losses in the recent election. Following the resignation of Rep. Matt Gaetz from Florida, the balance of power shifted to 219-215, compelling Johnson to rely heavily on almost every Republican to meet the 218 votes necessary for a majority in legislative matters.
Rep. Chip Roy emerged as one of the notable holdouts, vocal about the GOP leadership’s mishandling of year-end spending, insisting on a shift in strategy. He initially withheld support, though ultimately decided to endorse Johnson during the vote.
The nature of Johnson’s concessions remains vague, but centrist conservatives have introduced a new rule demanding broader approval, requiring at least nine members of the majority party for any resolution aimed at removing the speaker. The Freedom Caucus also presented a series of demands concerning immigration, spending cuts, and regulations on stock trading by lawmakers.
Given his position as a last-minute selection after other proposed leaders faltered, Johnson is faced with navigating the political dynamics of those who currently hold considerable influence. The selection of the speaker dominated the Congress’s first day, which heralded several groundbreaking members entering office.
In the Senate, the swearing-in ceremony included the first two Black women senators—Lisa Blunt Rochester from Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks from Maryland—both of whom made history by simultaneously serving in the chamber. Furthermore, Sen.-elect Andy Kim from New Jersey also achieved a historic milestone as the first Korean American senator.
In the House, the inauguration of Sarah McBride marked the first openly transgender individual to join Congress, further diversifying the representation within the legislative body.
