House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) continues to whip for the necessary votes to secure his re-election, engaging in ongoing talks with hard-line conservatives ahead of a scheduled House vote at noon. On Thursday, Johnson met with conservative Republicans at the Capitol who have voiced dissatisfaction with his leadership—with some expressing a desire to elect someone other than the Louisiana Congressman to lead the House. The meeting ended without Johnson making much progress in securing the critical House faction’s votes.
In November, Republicans unanimously nominated Johnson for another term. However, some lawmakers expressed frustration following a year-end spending deal with Democrats aimed at preventing a government shutdown. This agreement faced criticism from prominent figures, including Elon Musk and President-elect Donald J. Trump, contributing to its collapse. Trump nevertheless reaffirmed his support for Johnson’s re-election earlier this week.
I have no doubt that he'll eventually get the Speaker's chair but I don't see any way possible for it to be on the first vote, like he's predicting.
(post is archived)