House Republicans quickly reelected Mike Johnson as House speaker on Friday. This swift decision avoided the lengthy voting process seen two years ago when they took five days and 15 ballots to choose former Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Despite some discontent within the GOP, most Republicans supported Johnson. In a close vote, Johnson received 216 votes, while Democrat Hakeem Jeffries garnered 215. Three Republicans initially voted for other candidates. They were Reps. Thomas Massie, Ralph Norman, and Keith Self. However, after Johnson spoke with Norman and Self, both changed their votes to support him. The final tally was 218 for Johnson and 215 for Jeffries.
“It is the great honor of my life to serve this body with all of you,” Johnson told House members after his reelection. He also thanked his family, who were present.
BREAKING: Mike Johnson just announced that Congress will immediately move to pass legislation to shut down the federal bureaucracies.
— George (@BehizyTweets) January 3, 2025
Zero Democrats looked happy to hear that.
"We're going to drastically cut back the size and scope of government. We're going to return the power… pic.twitter.com/a0MqEWvPPV
Johnson had expected some Republican dissent. Rep. Massie stated weeks before the vote that he opposed Johnson’s reelection. Norman surprised many by voting for Rep. Jim Jordan. This alarmed many as any additional ‘No’ votes could have jeopardized Johnson’s chances.
Norman’s vote initially led other GOP members to withhold their support. Members of the House Freedom Caucus, including Andy Harris, did not vote at first. But when called again, they all voted for Johnson.
While on the House floor, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was seen speaking with President-elect Donald Trump‘s incoming chief of staff, Susie Wiles. After losing initial support, Johnson chatted with Norman and Self, which likely helped sway their votes.
Celebrating Johnson’s victory, Trump posted on Truth Social: “Congratulations to Speaker Mike Johnson for receiving an unprecedented vote of confidence in Congress. Mike will be a Great Speaker!”
Trump had been supporting Johnson before the vote. He told House Republicans, “Good luck today for Speaker Mike Johnson, a fine man of great ability.”
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