Trump Throws Weight Behind Mike Johnson for Speaker of the House
As the 119th Congress prepares to convene, President-elect Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Rep. Mike Johnson to become the next Speaker of the House of Representatives. Trump took to social media to express his endorsement, urging fellow Republicans to rally behind Johnson.
A Tight Vote Ahead
Johnson faces a potentially nail-biting vote in the House, where the GOP holds a razor-thin majority. With 434 House members expected to cast their ballots, Johnson will need nearly every Republican to vote in his favor to secure the speakership. The stakes are high, with the vote set to take place before 1 p.m. ET.
Trump’s Endorsement
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Johnson as a “fine man of great ability” who is “very close to having 100% support.” He emphasized that a win for Johnson would be a significant victory for the Republican Party, solidifying the party’s dominance in the House.
The Numbers Game
Republicans hold 219 seats in the new Congress, while Democrats have 215. This narrow margin means that Johnson can ill afford to lose the support of even a single Republican. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky has already announced his intention to withhold his support, leaving Johnson with no room for error.
A Brief History
Johnson’s rise to prominence began on October 25, 2023, when he was elected speaker following the ousting of Rep. Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy’s removal was a dramatic turn of events, with a handful of Republican members joining every Democrat to vote against him.
What’s at Stake
The speakership is a crucial position, with the winner set to play a pivotal role in shaping the legislative agenda for the 119th Congress. As the vote approaches, all eyes will be on Johnson and his ability to rally his party behind him.
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