Recap: Johnson wins the battle for House speaker as holdouts relent
WASHINGTON ? House Speaker Mike Johnson won back his job for another term on Friday after a nail-biter finish and now has the daunting task of trying to unify a fractured but potentially powerful group of Republican lawmakers anxious to implement President-elect Donald Trump's agenda upon his return to the White House later this month.
The final vote of 218-215-1 may reflect the Congress to come: One where the stakes are high, Republicans are about to hold all the levers of power in Washington but internal divisions constantly threaten to boil over, and Trump's opinion rules the day.
Johnson ultimately secured the speakership with the support of every sitting House Republican except for one ? Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who had pledged not to support him weeks ago.
Here's how the USA TODAY Network covered Johnson's return to the speaker's chair.
More: House Republicans warn of 'sincere reservations' that Johnson can pass Trump's agenda
No concessions, but a GOP 'sword' over Johnson's head
Johnson made no formal concessions to the holdouts Friday evening. Still, his rein could run short if he alienates even a handful of his fellow House Republicans.
Under new House rules approved Friday evening, nine House Republicans will be needed to call a vote to oust Johnson from his role, a process known as a "motion to vacate." And unless Democrats would be willing to save him in a closely divided House, nine members would be plenty to kick him out of Speaker's chair.
More: House Speaker Mike Johnson's victory came with a warning from hardline Republicans
The nine-member threshold to trigger a vacating vote is a significantly higher margin than Johnson and his predecessor, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, have had for the last two years. Under those insurgent-friendly rules, any single member could call a vote on the speakership.
"Nobody wants to have a sword over their head. But we have a motion to vacate for a reason. He's been given a job, he's got to go do that job," said Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., a House Freedom Caucus member who joined ten other members in voting for Johnson despite "sincere reservations" about his track record.
?Riley Beggin
Trump 'helpful' but didn't seal the deal, holdout says
After first voting for someone other than Johnson, Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., said he spoke with President-elect Donald Trump. While that conversation went “very well” and was “helpful,” Norman said, he was alrady well aware of Trump’s preference.
What convinced him to change his vote, Norman said, was speaking with Johnson himself.
“There wasn’t any negotiations, it wasn’t any quid pro quo,” Norman added. “He agreed to fight with a list of things that he knew where we stood. And I trust him.”
More: New York judge upholds Donald Trump's conviction and sets sentencing for Jan. 10
Norman said he was promised “a drastic change” from the last Congress, often referred to as one of the least productive in recent memory.
“I knew we needed to press on Mike Johnson that we’re serious about budget, we’re serious about the border,” he said.
“And is he going to fight?”
?Savannah Kuchar
More: Mike Johnson reelected as House speaker with support from President-elect Donald Trump
Speaker Johnson opens with a moment of silence for victims of New Orleans attack
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, opened his remarks to the new Congress by asking for a moment of silence for the 14 people killed in a vehicle attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day.
“It’s really shaken our state,” said Johnson, adding, “these are difficult days” in Louisiana. “People are reeling from that attack.”
?Bart Jansen
More: President Biden to visit New Orleans following deadly Bourbon Street truck attack
Jeffries introduces Johnson, with a dig at GOP 'election deniers'
House Republicans erupted in applause when Democratic Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, in a speech introducing GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson, mentioned President-elect Donald Trump’s victory two months earlier.
“Thank you for that very generous applause,” said Jeffries, D-N.Y. “That’s OK, there are no election deniers on our side of the aisle.”
?Bart Jansen
GOP lawmaker who cast initial vote against Johnson spoke to Trump
Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, told reporters that he spoke with Trump both before and after casting an initial vote against Johnson.
He wouldn't say what they discussed. Self later changed his vote for Johnson.
“President Trump has the same emphasis that I do ? the Trump agenda. We've got to make sure this Congress is as strong as possible when we go up against the Senate on (the) reconciliation package," he said, forshadowing an upcoming budget battle. "So that's all I wanted to do today, is to make this Congress successful for the Trump agenda.”
More: Big policies, small margins and a Trump wildcard: What to expect from the new Congress
Self said he was “very frustrated” with how the 118th Congress played out. Republicans won control of the House in 2022 but accomplised little in a term marked by infighting and the removal of GOP Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
“That’s why we needed to shore up the process is to make it more member-oriented for the Trump agenda because we needed more input from members like myself, not a chairman in a leadership position, and I think that's what we have done,” he said.
?Sudiksha Kochi
Trump celebrates Johnson's first-round victory
President-elect Donald Trump has praised Johnson's win in a post on Truth Social: "Congratulations to Speaker Mike Johnson for receiving an unprecedented Vote of Confidence in Congress. Mike will be a Great Speaker, and our Country will be the beneficiary. The People of America have waited four years for Common Sense, Strength, and Leadership. They’ll get it now, and America will be greater than ever before!"
?Joey Garrison
Dem leader Jeffries shouts out Nancy Pelosi
Before ushering GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson to the dais, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries recognized fellow Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who participated in the convening of the new Congress despite having a hip replaced after a fall last month in Luxembourg.
“Speaker-emerita Pelosi, it’s great to see you back in the chamber,” Jeffries, D-N.Y., said to applause.
?Bart Jansen
Speaker Johnson basks in applause
Mike Johnson re-enters the chamber to applause from both sides of the aisle, followed by his second-in-command, Rep. Steve Scalise, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and other members of leadership from both parties.
Even some of Johnson's detractors seem relieved ? a protracted leadership battle has been avoided as they head into a period of total GOP control.
?Riley Beggin
Republican doubters put Johnson on notice
Chip Roy, a Texas Republican who initially remained silent during the first round of voting before supporting Mike Johnson, said more lawmakers have reservations about the speaker than the three who voted for other candidates.
“Everything we do needs to set the Congress up for success and to deliver the Trump agenda for the American people,” Roy said in a social media post. “Speaker Johnson has not made that clear yet, so there are many members beyond the three who voted for someone else who have reservations.”
Scott Perry of Pennsylvania said he would hold Johnson responsible for accomplishing the Republican agenda on issues such as security along the southern border, cutting federal spending, eliminating costly regulations and implementing a ban on lawmakers trading individual stocks.
“While I maintain my reservations about Speaker Johnson’s leadership record, today I voted in support of President Trump’s Agenda,” Perry said on social media. “We will hold Speaker Johnson accountable to accomplish the Republican Agenda.”
?Bart Jansen
More: Donald Trump fumes over inauguration flags flying at half-staff to honor Jimmy Carter
Johnson takes it
House Republicans elected Speaker Mike Johnson on Friday after three lawmakers initially supported other candidates and temporarily blocked his selection despite an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump.
The House erupted in applause after Ralph Norman of South Carolina changed his vote from supporting Jim Jordan of Ohio to supporting Johnson and Keith Self of Texas changed his vote from supporting Byron Donalds of Florida.
That resulted in 218 votes for Johnson, of Louisiana, against 215 votes for Democrat Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Republican Thomas Massie of Kentucky voted for Tom Emmer of Minnesota rather than Johnson.
The House couldn’t anything else until it elected a speaker, including swear in new members.
With the Jan. 6 certification of Trump's victory right around the corner and the presidential inauguration in 17 days, lawmakers have little time to lose.
?Bart Jansen
First vote continues as Johnson presses holdouts
The House has not yet gaveled in the first vote for speaker. It's an unusually long time between voting finishing and the vote being called.
Mike Johnson is meeting with a few of the holdouts in a room adjacent to the House floor.
Currently, the vote stands at 216-215-3.
Johnson got 216 votes, Hakeem Jeffries received 215. Three Republicans ? Reps. Thomas Massie, Keith Self and Ralph Norman - voted for other GOP lawmakers.
If Johnson can convince just one of those three Republicans to flip, he will win with 217 votes.
Another path forward: Convincing two of them to switch to voting "present," reducing the total threshold needed for a majority.
?Riley Beggin
Massie: 'You can pull all my fingernails out'
Among the three House Republicans who voted for someone other than Mike Johnson for speaker, Thomas Massie of Kentucky might be the least likely to change his mind.
Massie told former Rep. Matt Gaetz on his One America News program Thursday that he wouldn’t be voting for Johnson.
“You can pull all my fingernails out,” Massie said. “You can shove bamboo up in them. You can start cutting off my fingers. I am not voting for Mike Johnson tomorrow, and you can take that to the bank.”
?Bart Jansen
More: 'Mike Johnson is not equipped to be speaker.' Thomas Massie on his Friday vote
Handful of GOP lawmakers do not vote for Johnson during first round, signaling battle
A handful of Republican lawmakers-elect didn’t announce votes in the first round of balloting, signaling a problem for Mike Johnson of Louisiana to retain the speakership, but they later each voted for Johnson.
The seven holdouts included Andy Biggs of Arizona, Michael Cloud of Texas, Andrew Clyde of Georgia, Paul Gosar of Arizona, Andy Harris of Maryland, Chip Roy of Texas and Michael Waltz of Florida.
More: Liz Cheney, Trump target, receives presidential medal from Biden
The bearded Harris could be seen in the back of the chamber studiously not responding when his name was initially called. Roy stood silent amid the seating.
Sitting next to Johnson, Steve Scalise of Louisiana, who is in line to become House majority leader if Johnson is chosen speaker, jotted notes as votes were announced.
But each eventually supported Johnson. Cloud and Gosar voted from the well of the House before the vote was gaveled closed.
?Bart Jansen
Hakeem Jeffries and Mike Johnson vote
Hakeem Jeffries and Mike Johnson - relatively close to one another in the alphabetical voting order - both vote for themselves. Their respective parties give them a standing ovation.
?Riley Beggin
Who will tally the votes for speaker?
Four lawmakers-elect were chosen to tally the votes for speaker, a ceremonial role that put them at the front of the chamber with pencils and large sheets of paper carrying the names of lawmakers-elect.
Reps. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., Joseph Morelle, D-N.Y.; Bryan Steil, R-Wis., and Norma Torres, D-Calif.
--Bart Jansen
Nominating speech for Jeffries
Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., chair of the Democratic caucus, is giving the nominating speech for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
All Democrats are expected to support Jeffries for speaker. Because they do not have the majority, he won't become speaker.
"I rise on behalf of the governing majority of the House of Representatives," he began, referencing the last two years in which every must-pass piece of legislation passed with the help of Democrats, and the internal divisions that have repeatedly created challenges for House Republicans.
- Riley Beggin
Applause as Gaetz letter read
A round of applause erupted in the House chamber when Kevin McCumber, the acting House clerk, read a letter from former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., saying “he will not serve in the House in the 119th Congress.”
The House Ethics Committee released a report found “substantial evidence” that Gaetz committed statutory rape and prostitution, which he has strongly denied.
Gaetz had also been an antagonist of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and developed a contentious reputation with other lawmakers.
Gaetz resigned from the previous Congress when President-elect Donald Trump chose him to become attorney general. But Gaetz withdrew from consideration and has become a host on One America News, a conservative television network.
-- Bart Jansen
Rep. Lisa McClain addresses House
Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., is currently speaking on the House floor, teeing up the speaker's vote.
She is replacing Rep. Elise Stefanik as the chair of the House GOP conference. President-elect Donald Trump selected Stefanik as his ambassador to the U.N.
It's the House's job to make progress on behalf of the American people, she said.
"We have done just that under Mike's leadership. We should be celebrating and building upon his efforts," McClain said. "He will lead us through another successful Republican majority... we are ready to govern."
Getting the House set up quickly in order to deliver on Trump's goals has been a major rallying point for Johnson as he has sought to get the conference behind him.
- Riley Beggin
VP Harris swears in elected senators
Vice President Kamala Harris, in her role as Senate president, swore in members who were elected in November.
One of the first to participate was Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, who will become Harris’ successor as vice president when President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated on Jan. 20.
In contrast to the House, where lawmakers stand for reelection every two years, about one-third of senators campaign every two years because of their six-year terms.
Newly elected members include Sens. Jim Banks, R-Ind.; Andy Kim, D-N.J.; John Curtis, R-Utah; Adam Schiff, D-Calif.; Tim Sheehy, R-Mont.; Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz.; Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich.; Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio; Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md.; Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del.; Dave McCormick, R-Pa.; Jim Justice, R-W.Va.
“Congratulations, senator,” Harris said to individual lawmakers.
--Bart Jansen
Johnson posts commitments on X, formerly Twitter, ahead of vote
Moments before the House begins to vote on the speakership, Mike Johnson posted a list of commitments akin to those demanded by detractors like Rep. Victoria Spartz, R-Ind.
Johnson committed to create a working group of "independent experts" to recommend spending reforms and audit federal agencies created by Congress, and to direct House committees to investigate agencies and people accountable who "have weaponized government against the American people."
"If we don’t follow through on our campaign promise for fiscal responsibility, we don’t deserve to hold power," Johnson wrote in the post. "Along with advancing President Trump’s America First agenda, I will lead the House Republicans to reduce the size and scope of the federal government, hold the bureaucracy accountable, and move the United States to a more sustainable fiscal trajectory."
- Riley Beggin
C-Span is in the House
C-Span cameras are allowed in the chamber as there is not yet a House Speaker. Once the speaker is elected, they make the rules for camera access to the chamber. Usually, they are limited to the podium where a lawmaker is speaking, the clerk leading proceedings, or other official happenings.
That's why C-Span is particularly entertaining in these few moments before a speaker is elected -- journalists manning the cameras can hone in on the most interesting moments of action on the floor.
- Riley Beggin
What to watch for as House speaker vote begins
As voting begins, observers should watch how lawmakers early in the alphabet vote.
If Reps. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., or Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., vote against Johnson, we may see even more defections as the lawmakers that follow know he will lose the first ballot.
--Riley Beggin
New lawmakers start new job on Hill
The House Clerk called a quorum call, so each member is currently indicating that they are here for the purpose of voting.
Whether Mike Johnson will remain speaker is the big question of the day - but for many lawmakers, it is the first day of a new job. Several lawmakers have their children on the House floor with them to witness the occasion.
- Riley Beggin
House officially convenes
The House has officially convened.
There's plenty of hubub in the chamber as members' friends and family fill out the gallery seats.
We expect the speaker vote to begin shortly.
- Riley Beggin
Johnson says he expects to keep his job
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told reporters while heading into the House chamber he expects to be returned to office with the help of President-elect Donald Trump.
“I expect we’ll get it done,” Johnson said. Trump has made public statements and is privately lobbying lawmakers, Johnson said.
“Privately, I think he’s talked with members,” Johnson said. Johnson said he would continue to compete if not elected on the first ballot.
“I’m here for the long haul,” Johnson said.
—Bart Jansen
Prayer, pledge kick off House operations for the day
The House of Representatives began the day with a prayer led by House Chaplain Margaret Grun Kibben and the pledge of allegiance.
“And now, as this 118th Congress sets down its last gavel and the journals are sealed and archived, we give you (God) thanks,” Kibben said in her prayer, marking today’s transition from one Congress to the next.
The pomp and circumstance opening comes shortly before the lower chamber is set to vote and elect a Speaker of House for the 119th Congress.
– Savannah Kuchar
When is the House speaker vote?
The House is set to vote around noon as it selects the speaker for the 119th Congress.
Trump advocates for Speaker Mike Johnson as Congress convenes
President-elect Trump expressed his support for House Speaker Mike Johnson on Friday, as the new Congress convenes and stands poised to pick a new speaker.
Johnson’s fate hangs in the balance as GOP divisions have threatened to derail his position in recent days.
Trump was unequivocal in his support in a post on Truth Social.
"Good luck today for Speaker Mike Johnson, a fine man of great ability, who is very close to having 100% support. A win for Mike today will be a big win for the Republican Party, and yet another acknowledgment of our 129 year mos"
Johnson was quick to respond: "Thank you, President Trump! Today is a new day in America. Congressional Republicans must stay united to quickly deliver President Trump’s America First agenda," he responded on Twitter
--Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy
How many new members of Congress are being sworn in today?
Seventy-three newcomers will be sworn into the 119th Congress.
Some members on the list who previously served as representatives in the House, such as Democrat Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Republican John Curtis of Texas, are being sworn in as senators. Others are coming into Congress for the first time, including Democrat Shomari Figures of Alabama and Republican Brandon Gill of Texas.
– Sudiksha Kochi
What does the House speaker do?
Mike Johnson is the speaker of the House. The speaker of the House is a powerful official who leads the House, one of the two chambers of Congress. The speaker of the House is also second in the line of succession for the presidency, after the vice president.
Johnson was elected to Congress in 2016, and before he served as speaker he was the No. 5 ranking House Republican as the conference's vice chair. He became the speaker of the House in October 2023 after weeks of GOP infighting sparked by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's dramatic ouster.
? Marina Pitofsky
What did Donald Trump say about Mike Johnson?
President-elect Donald Trump endorsed Johnson for speaker in a Truth Social post Monday, calling the Louisiana Republican “a good, hard working, religious man.”
“He will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN," Trump wrote. “Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement.”
Despite Trump’s powerful influence as party leader, some Republicans remain unconvinced.
“I respect and support President Trump, but his endorsement of Mike Johnson is going to work out about as well as his endorsement of Speaker Paul Ryan,” Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., wrote on X Monday.
– Savannah Kuchar
Who was speaker of the House before Mike Johnson?
Former Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., was speaker of the House before Mike Johnson.
McCarthy was ousted in October 2023 after a handful of Republican rebels, led by former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., voted with Democrats to remove him from him speakership. The vote came after McCarthy worked with Democrats to avoid a devastating government shutdown.
After the California lawmaker was removed, the House was frozen for weeks as GOP lawmakers struggled to unite and pick a new leader. The House isn't allowed to act without a speaker, and Mike Johnson was ultimately crowned after uniting different factions of Republicans.
– Marina Pitofsky
When is Trump's inauguration?
The inauguration ceremony will be held on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C.
Around noon on Inauguration Day, the president-elect recites the following oath in accordance with Article II, Section I of the U.S. Constitution:
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
– Victoria E. Freile
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Recap: Johnson wins vote for House speaker