Mike Johnson (R-LA) expressed confidence that he will remain House speaker.
The Republican Party has a scant one-vote majority in the House. The new Congress will have its first day of session on Jan. 3, 2025, when a speaker election is also anticipated. A speaker will be needed to certify the 2024 election results on Jan. 6 ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20.
“To become speaker again, or remain speaker, it’s not a matter of biology or chemistry or art, it’s math, do you have the votes?” Fox News anchor Kellyanne Conway asked Johnson on Monday on Hannity.
“I think we do, Kellyanne. I’m really humbled and honored to have President Trump’s endorsement for speaker again. He and I work so well together, so closely together, and we have a lot of big things to do,” said Johnson. “He recognizes that what we need right now, I think my colleagues recognize this as well, is a proven fighter and a true MAGA conservative, but also someone who can work with every single member of our very diverse House GOP so we can get President Trump’s priorities over the line.”
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) said he will not vote for Johnson to keep his speakership after 14 months. He is joined by Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN). Johnson said he spoke with Spartz earlier Monday.
As speaker, Johnson has won over many Democratic colleagues in the House. Earlier this year, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) promised to oppose any effort to vacate the speaker. Johnson’s continuing resolution that will fund the government through March 14 was supported by all Democratic lawmakers. Still, 34 Republican representatives and 11 senators voted against the legislation.
“We’re certainly open to bipartisanship and having Democrats come along to help us. I think we are going to attract some of those. I think some of them may even be wondering whether or not they should switch parties right now,” said Johnson. “So this is a great time for the Republican Party, not great to be a Democrat. They’re in total disarray. They have no leader, and they have no vision going forward. So this is a real moment for us, and we’re going to deliver.”
Of those who oppose Johnson, none have endorsed another candidate to replace him. Massie’s overt and repeated opposition to Johnson prompted speculation that he would like to bid for the speakership.
When Kevin McCarthy was ousted as speaker, his Republican Party had 222 votes in the chamber, and it only took eight votes at the time.
