House Republicans rejoice over quick speaker vote with only one defector
Republicans in the House of Representatives were filled with excitement and enthusiasm as they cheered the re-election of Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., during the first round of votes on Friday. The successful avoidance of the lengthy speaker vote process that former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., endured ahead of the 118th Congress in early 2023 was a cause for celebration.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., took to social media to congratulate his friend, Speaker Johnson, on his re-election. “Congratulations to my friend @SpeakerJohnson! We’re fired up and ready to work with President Trump to Make America Great Again!” Scalise wrote. Johnson secured his position as speaker with a vote of 218-215-1, with Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., being the only Republican non-supporter.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., also expressed his congratulations to Speaker Johnson on social media. “Congratulations to @SpeakerJohnson on his re-election to lead our conference through the 119th Congress. Under his leadership, House Republicans are ready to work with President @realDonaldTrump to fix our economy, secure our borders, unleash American energy, and lower taxes for hardworking families. The American people are counting on us, and the @HouseGOP will deliver,” Emmer stated.
The quick and successful election of Speaker Johnson on the first ballot was a stark contrast to the 15 rounds of voting it took to elect McCarthy in 2023. House GOP conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain, R-Mich., expressed her pride in the unified House Republican Conference, stating, “Victory on the first ballot. As the Chairwoman of the unified House Republican Conference, I can say proudly, that we are ready to govern.”
Despite initial uncertainty and hesitation from some Republican members, including members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, Speaker Johnson ultimately secured the necessary votes for re-election. Members such as Reps. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., Michael Cloud, R-Texas, and Chip Roy, R-Texas, initially did not cast votes during the roll call but later voted in favor of Johnson.
House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris, R-Md., explained their support for Speaker Johnson, stating, “Today, we voted for Mike Johnson for Speaker of the House because of our steadfast support of President Trump and to ensure the timely certification of his electors.”
Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., expressed reservations about Speaker Johnson’s leadership record but ultimately voted in support of President Trump’s agenda. He emphasized the importance of holding Speaker Johnson accountable to accomplish the Republican Agenda, including securing the southern border, implementing commonsense House rules, cutting federal spending, and reversing harmful Biden policies.
Overall, Republicans in the House of Representatives are eager to work with Speaker Johnson and President Trump to achieve legislative goals and address key issues facing the nation. The re-election of Speaker Johnson has set the stage for a productive and collaborative 119th Congress.
