A contentious battle for House leadership unfolds as Speaker Mike Johnson faces a challenging reelection bid on the first day of the 119th Congress.
According to The Hill, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) secured a narrow victory of 218-215 over Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) in a dramatic first-round vote that required last-minute interventions to maintain his position.
The victory came after intense negotiations and crucial phone calls from President-elect Trump to two Republican holdouts, Representatives Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) and Keith Self (R-Texas), who initially voted against Johnson but later changed their positions.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) remained the lone Republican dissenter, casting his vote for Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.).
The involvement of President-elect Trump played a pivotal role in securing Johnson's speakership. Norman revealed that Trump's assurances about Johnson's commitment to "fight" for House Republicans ultimately convinced both him and Self to switch their votes. The conversation took place during a brief recess when Johnson and the two representatives stepped out of the House chamber.
The House Freedom Caucus wasted no time in presenting their demands to the newly reelected Speaker. Their requirements included modifications to the House calendar, ensuring deficit reduction in reconciliation packages, and adherence to the 72-hour rule for legislation review. They also emphasized the importance of border security legislation and ending congressional stock trading.
President-elect Trump celebrated Johnson's victory on Truth Social, expressing confidence in the Speaker's leadership capabilities. Trump's endorsement proved crucial in maintaining Republican unity during this critical vote.
Following his victory, Johnson was formally sworn in as Speaker and proceeded to administer the oath of office to all 434 House members.
This ceremonial process marked the official beginning of the 119th Congress and cleared the way for essential business, including the certification of Trump's victory scheduled for Monday.
The transition of power also saw significant changes in the Senate, where Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) was sworn in as president pro tempore, making him third in line for the presidency. At 91, Grassley brings his experience as the longest-serving senator to this prestigious position.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) issued a cautionary message to Johnson, emphasizing the importance of setting Congress up for success and implementing Trump's agenda. The statement reflected ongoing tensions within the Republican Party despite Johnson's victory.
The Speaker election represented a crucial moment for the 119th Congress, establishing Johnson's leadership position with a precarious one-vote margin of error. The dramatic floor vote demonstrated both the fragility of Republican unity and the significant influence of President-elect Trump in congressional politics.
Johnson's victory ensures continuity in House leadership and sets the stage for Republican priorities in the new congressional session. With the Freedom Caucus's demands on the table and various legislative challenges ahead, including border security and fiscal policy, the Speaker faces the complex task of maintaining party cohesion while advancing the Republican agenda.
