Mike Johnson, the 52-year-old Republican from Louisiana, was re-elected as Speaker of the House on Friday after going through a tense day of voting and GOP dissent.
Initially facing resistance from two holdouts, Johnson secured the speakership with a show of unity that contrasted sharply with the drawn-out battles that marked his predecessor’s tenure.
The election was fraught with high stakes, as the Republican majority in the House left virtually no room for error. With 434 lawmakers present, Johnson needed 218 votes to win.
Early in the process, Representatives Ralph Norman (R-SC) and Keith Self (R-TX) voted for other candidates, putting the gavel seemingly out of reach. Meanwhile, Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY), a vocal critic of Johnson, pledged steadfast opposition, making his dissent clear in interviews leading up to the vote.
“I am not voting for Mike Johnson tomorrow, and you can take that to the bank,” Massie declared on One America News Network. He remained the sole Republican to oppose Johnson during the vote.
Johnson’s path to victory was secured through intense, behind-the-scenes efforts. He convened with Norman, Self, and other lawmakers in private discussions to resolve their concerns.
According to sources, Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) played a key role in facilitating phone calls and negotiations with the holdouts. Both Norman and Self also reportedly spoke with former President Donald Trump before deciding to switch their votes.
Trump made his support for Johnson clear earlier in the day, posting on his Truth Social platform: “Good luck today for Speaker Mike Johnson, a fine man of great ability, who is very close to having 100% support. 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’s backing appeared to have an impact, as Norman and Self ultimately changed their votes to support Johnson. This secured him a total of 218 votes, avoiding the need for a second round of voting.
Johnson’s re-election marks the beginning of his first full term as Speaker, a role he initially assumed in October 2023 after weeks of GOP infighting led to the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). Johnson’s rise to the speakership was hailed as a victory for Republican unity after a chaotic period of division.
Despite the earlier saber-rattling from some conservative factions, Johnson successfully navigated the GOP’s internal disagreements. Even members of the House Freedom Caucus, including Representative Chip Roy (R-TX), who had expressed interest in chairing the powerful House Rules Committee, ultimately backed Johnson.
Johnson celebrated the moment with a statement on X, writing: “Thank you, President Trump! Today is a new day in America. Congressional Republicans must stay united to quickly deliver President Trump’s America First agenda. Let’s get it done.”