‘Not committed’: Conservatives warn Mike Johnson still has hill to climb before winning speaker’s gavel

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., secured unanimous approval from Republican lawmakers earlier this week to lead the House of Representatives next year. However, despite this initial success, some conservatives are cautioning that he still faces challenges ahead of the House-wide election in January.

Rep. Victoria Spartz, R-Ind., expressed reservations about Johnson’s support, noting that there are still individuals who are not fully committed to him. She mentioned that some members refrained from requesting a vote as a gesture to President Trump, indicating that Johnson may not have unanimous support within the party.

Johnson’s nomination as the Republicans’ speaker candidate was confirmed through a unanimous voice vote on Wednesday, following an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump. He emerged as the sole contender after Republicans retained control of the chamber for another term.

The prospect of a potential showdown emerged when some GOP hardliners threatened to force a vote via secret ballot to challenge Johnson’s nomination due to concerns about his approach to government spending. While this threat did not materialize, there are lingering doubts among some conservatives regarding Johnson’s leadership.

With a narrow majority expected in the House, Johnson may need to navigate a complex path to secure the speakership in January. He will have to garner the support of the entire House chamber to secure the position, a process that could mirror the prolonged battle endured by his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy, two years ago.

Concerns have been raised about informal agreements and potential disagreements over key issues that could impact Johnson’s ability to lead effectively. Some lawmakers have emphasized the importance of clarity and transparency in decision-making to avoid similar challenges faced in the past.

Despite these reservations, there are lawmakers who remain optimistic about Johnson’s prospects. A GOP representative expressed confidence in Johnson’s leadership, citing President Trump’s endorsement as a significant vote of confidence. Others have highlighted commitments made by Johnson on specific legislative priorities, signaling their support for him in January.

In his response to the unanimous election, Johnson emphasized the unity and readiness of House Republicans to deliver for the American people. He underscored the importance of working together to address the pressing issues facing the nation as the new Congress convenes.

As the House prepares for the upcoming session, the dynamics of leadership and party unity will be closely watched. Johnson’s ability to navigate internal divisions and build consensus will be crucial in determining his success as the House Speaker in the coming term.