Republican Mike Johnson narrowly won re-election Friday to the US House speaker on the first ballot, overcoming a tough GOP hold after a tight standoff and boosted by support from US President Donald Trump .
The uncomfortable scene made for a surprising start to the first day of the new Congress. A small gathering of die-hard Republicans gathered in the back of the House chamber, one by one refusing to vote or elect another lawmaker for the position.
Johnson's face turned grim, acknowledging the new chaos and pointing to trouble ahead under unified GOP control in Washington.
In the end, however, Johnson was able to swing two remaining polls in his favor, drawing applause from Republicans. The number was 218-215.
In his first speech, Johnson vowed to “reject business as usual” because Republicans are in charge.
“We are going to drastically cut back the size and scope of government,” he promised.
A strict look during the ceremonial day usually
Johnson's tenuous grip on the road has threatened not only his survival, but also Trump's ambitious agenda of tax cuts and big trade as Republicans sweep to power. Even his close alliance and support from Trump himself, usually a sure bet for Republicans, was not a guarantee that Johnson could regain his position as President.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jefferies tried to push past the Republican turmoil of the past two years, saying it was time to come together and put party politics aside “to get things done” for Americans. .
What was once a ceremonial day for newly elected lawmakers to be inducted, often with family, friends and children in tow, became a high-profile vote for office The Speaker of the House, one of the most powerful elected positions in Washington. Vice President Kamala Harris was swearing in the senators.
While the Senate can convene on its own and has already chosen party leaders – Senator John Thune as the Republican majority leader and Senator Chuck Schumer for the Democratic minority – the House must to choose his President first, a position that the US Constitution requires, the second in the line of presidential succession.
Challenged by his own GOP colleagues, Johnson confidently arrived at the Capitol after working into the night to secure a solid hold. A flop with Johnson could have thrown Monday's congressional testimony on Trump's 2024 election victory into turmoil without the Speaker of the House.
