Congressman Mike Johnson from Louisiana has been elected the next speaker of the House following a roll call vote beginning at noon.
Described as a genial conservative, Johnson secured his party’s nomination during the House Republican Conference’s closed-door vote on Tuesday with 198 votes, with three Republicans voting present and 20 abstaining. He reportedly won over skeptics last night and received praise from former President Donald Trump this morning.
Johnson has represented Louisiana’s 4th District since 2017. He serves on the Judiciary Committee and as vice chair of the Republican Conference. All of the GOP candidates who won swing districts and spoke publicly since Tuesday’s vote came out in support of Johnson, indicating support among moderates prior nominees lacked.
Still, it remained uncertain if the extensive Republican support for Johnson would result in 217 GOP votes, the minimum number required to win the speaker’s gavel, provided the whole House was present.
Any honeymoon for Johnson will likely be brief. The House must pass a continuing resolution by Nov. 17 to avoid a government shutdown.
Members also hope to pass a resolution supporting Israel this week.
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