Mike Johnson re-elected speaker: Here were the top three moments of the dramatic vote
In a tense and dramatic vote on Friday afternoon, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., narrowly held onto the gavel in a nail-biter election. With Republicans eager to swear in President-elect Trump later this month and take advantage of their control of the House, Senate, and White House, the outcome of the vote was crucial.
The first vote of the 119th Congress saw five Republicans initially refuse to cast their vote, with three ultimately voting against Johnson. Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Ralph Norman of South Carolina, and Keith Self of Texas all went against party leadership. However, after some intense negotiations and last-minute calls from President-elect Trump, Norman and Self eventually switched their votes in favor of Johnson.
President-elect Trump personally reached out to Norman and Self to urge them to support Johnson. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., played a key role in connecting the two congressmen with Trump, highlighting the behind-the-scenes maneuvering that took place during the vote.
While Massie remained steadfast in his opposition to Johnson, the House Speaker was able to secure the support he needed to retain his position. Both Norman and Self cited their commitment to advancing the “Trump agenda” as their reason for changing their votes. Norman emphasized that he received promises from Johnson to bring about “real change” within the House.
Ultimately, Johnson’s ability to secure the votes he needed was a testament to his leadership and negotiation skills. The outcome of the vote highlighted the importance of unity within the Republican Party as they look to advance their priorities in the new Congress.
As the dust settled on the dramatic vote, Johnson expressed his gratitude for the support he received and pledged to work towards furthering the goals of the Trump administration. The close call served as a reminder of the challenges and pressures faced by House leadership as they navigate a divided political landscape.
