Mike Johnson Faces Speaker Vote Uncertainty in First Round/Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ House Speaker Mike Johnson’s reelection bid faces challenges as GOP defections put his chances at risk during the first round of voting. Key Republicans, including Reps. Thomas Massie and Ralph Norman, voted for other candidates, leaving Johnson with a precarious path to retaining the gavel. Johnson got 216 votes, needs 2 more votes to become speaker on this ballot. His allies are talking to some of the holdouts on the House floor. Johnson walks off House floor. Speaker Mike Johnson walked off the floor as the first ballot for his speaker’s race was coming to a close. Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has got 215 votes for speaker.
Speaker Vote Update: Quick Looks
- Defections Begin: Three GOP members vote for other candidates, jeopardizing Johnson’s chances.
- Missed Votes: Six Republicans abstained in the initial roll call but may vote later.
- Narrow Margin: Johnson can afford only one GOP defection to secure the speakership.
- Trump Endorsement: Johnson remains “Trump’s endorsed candidate,” gaining applause from some members.
- Multiple Rounds Possible: Speculation rises about extended voting rounds to determine the speaker.
Mike Johnson Faces Speaker Vote Uncertainty in First Round
Deep Look
The first round of voting in the House speaker race has begun, with current Speaker Mike Johnson facing significant challenges as GOP defections cast uncertainty over his reelection bid. With a razor-thin Republican majority of 220-215, Johnson cannot afford more than one GOP defection if all members are present and voting.
Key Defections
- Thomas Massie: Massie had vowed not to support Johnson, stating he was not the right person for the role. He instead voted for Emmer, citing concerns over Johnson’s ability to unify the party.
- Ralph Norman: Voted for Jim Jordan, highlighting divisions within the GOP despite Johnson’s endorsement by President-elect Donald Trump.
- Keith Self: Supported Byron Donalds but has remained quiet about his broader motivations.
Abstentions and Uncertainty
Six Republicans, including Reps. Andy Biggs, Chip Roy, and Paul Gosar, abstained during the initial roll call. They were silent when their names were called, fueling speculation about their final decisions.
Rep. Tim Burchett (TN), who helped oust former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, predicted the contest might require multiple rounds of voting, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding Johnson’s path to reelection.
Johnson’s Supporters
Despite defections, Johnson has gained some support from previously undecided members. Rep. Victoria Spartz, who had expressed doubts, voted for Johnson, as did Reps. Lauren Boebert and Eric Burlison. Boebert made her support clear, stating, “Don’t let us down, Mr. Speaker.”
Rep. Sheri Biggs (SC) emphasized Johnson’s ties to Trump, referring to him as “Trump’s endorsed candidate” and drawing applause from the chamber.
A Tightrope Walk
Johnson’s fight to retain the gavel highlights the precarious nature of the GOP’s narrow majority, the smallest in nearly a century. The process may mirror the contentious 15-ballot marathon that eventually secured Kevin McCarthy the speakership in January 2023.
Trump’s endorsement has bolstered Johnson’s standing among some Republicans, but divisions within the party, particularly among the Freedom Caucus, could prolong the process.
Historic 119th Congress
Amid the speaker drama, the 119th Congress welcomed several historic members:
- Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE) and Angela Alsobrooks (MD): The first two Black women senators serving simultaneously.
- Andy Kim (NJ): The first Korean American senator.
- Sarah McBride (DE): The first openly transgender House member.
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi also returned to the chamber following hip surgery, receiving a warm reception from colleagues.
Implications
The speaker’s vote carries significant consequences for the Republican Party and President-elect Trump’s agenda, including tax reforms and immigration policies. Failure to elect a speaker could delay Trump’s 2024 election certification, further complicating legislative priorities.
As the roll call continues, all eyes remain on the GOP holdouts and whether Johnson can navigate the deep divisions within his party to secure the gavel.
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