Speaker Mike Johnson successfully reclaimed the gavel for the 119th Congress on Friday, after a dramatic vote in which two Republican holdouts flipped their votes, securing his victory during the first round of voting.
Initially, Johnson’s bid appeared to be in jeopardy after Republican Reps. Thomas Massie (Ky.), Ralph Norman (S.C.), and Keith Self (Texas) voted for other GOP members instead of Johnson. However, both Norman and Self shifted their votes to Johnson before the voting concluded, allowing him to regain the speakership.
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Rep. Massie, the sole Republican who publicly committed to opposing Johnson, cast his vote for Republican Rep. Tom Emmer (Minn.), the House Majority Whip. Norman initially supported Rep. Jim Jordan (Ohio), while Self voted for Rep. Byron Donalds (Fla.) in the first round.
Despite early hesitancy from notable Johnson skeptics—including Reps. Chip Roy (Texas), Andy Harris (Md.), Andrew Clyde (Ga.), Paul Gosar (Ariz.), Michael Cloud (Texas), and Andy Biggs (Ariz.)—these members ultimately backed Johnson before the vote concluded.
Every Democratic member in attendance voted for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), underscoring the sharply partisan nature of the vote. With Republicans holding a slim majority in the House, Johnson could afford to lose only one GOP vote to secure his position.
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The vote marked a pivotal moment for House Republicans, who are navigating internal divisions and a challenging legislative agenda. Johnson’s reelection as Speaker ensures continuity of leadership as Congress tackles key issues, including government funding and national security matters.
The House will proceed with its legislative work under Johnson’s leadership, with the narrow Republican majority making party unity essential for advancing priorities in the 119th Congress.
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