Breaking a 3-week standstill after Kevin McCarthy’s ouster, House Republicans have elected Mike Johnson as the House’s newest Speaker.
There were 220 votes for Johnson and 209 votes for Democrat Hakeem Jeffries.
Following the vote, House Republicans erupted into cheers and applause.
Johnson has been a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump and was a key congressional figure in the failed efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
Johnson was first elected to the House in 2016 and serves as vice chairman of the House Republican Conference, as well as GOP deputy whip, an assistant leadership role.
The Republican National Committee (RNC) congratulated Johnson following his victory
In a statement released following the House vote, RNC Chairwoman, Ronna McDaniel said, “Congratulations to the new speaker of the House, Mike Johnson!”
“In eight months, the Republican House majority passed bills to lower energy costs, secure the border, defend parents’ rights, improve public safety, and more.
“When Republicans come together, we deliver results, and that’s what we need to showcase ahead of 2024. We delivered this majority to bring solutions to the American people. It’s time for Republicans to unite behind Speaker Johnson and get back to work.”
Ronna McDaniel
In a statement posted to X, Johnson noted, “It is the honor of a lifetime to have been elected the 56th Speaker of the House.”
He acknowledged the “arduous” House Speaker election process that has dominated the Republican party for weeks.
“It has been an arduous few weeks, and a reminder that the House is as complicated and diverse as the people we represent,” Johnson said.
“The urgency of this moment demands bold, decisive action to restore trust, advance our legislative priorities, and demonstrate good governance,” he said.
Our House Republican Conference is united, and eager to work.
“We will restore trust in this body. We will advance a comprehensive conservative policy agenda, combat the harmful policies of the Biden Administration, and support our allies abroad and we will restore sanity to a government desperately in need of it. Let’s get back to work.”
Mike Johnson
Johnson addressed the House after winning the Speaker’s gavel. In his first address to the House, the newly elected House Speaker thanked Democratic leader, Hakeem Jeffries and former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. He also thanked the staff of the House.
He was sworn in after. The Dean of the House, Hal Rogers, read the oath of office.
Shortly after Johnson was sworn in, Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer told reporters that he plans to speak with Johnson about how to avoid a possible government shutdown next month.
Trump Congratulates Johnson
Former President Donald Trump congratulated new House Speaker, Mike Johnson.
“I just want to congratulate Mike Johnson. He will be a great Speaker of the House and we were very happy to help,” Trump said outside the courtroom for his civil fraud trial moments after his win.
“At this time yesterday, no one was thinking of Mike — and then we put out the word and now he’s the Speaker of the House,” Trump said.
Trump called him a “tremendous man” and said he’s “going to make us all proud.”
Trump previously supported Rep. Jim Jordan for speaker but Jordan failed to reach the necessary number of votes.
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