Mike Johnson Likely to Lose First Vote for House Speaker: Key Insights

Vote for House Speaker

The House is currently voting on the reelection of Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., but the outcome remains uncertain as several Republicans withhold their support, making the vote unusually tight. A small yet influential faction of Republicans has voiced opposition to Johnson, creating hurdles for his chances of securing another term as Speaker. With Democrats expected to oppose Johnson en masse, he can afford to lose only one Republican vote in the 219-215 GOP majority.

As of 1:20 p.m. EST, two Republicans had already voted against Johnson. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., cast his vote for Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., while Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., backed Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio.

Despite President-elect Donald Trump’s endorsement of Johnson earlier this week, calling him "the one that can win right now," a group of Republicans remains undecided. Notably, Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., Rep. Michael Cloud, R-Texas, Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., and Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, did not vote on the first ballot when their names were called.

The outcome of this vote will depend on whether Johnson can win over enough of these Republican holdouts or if further defections jeopardize his leadership bid.