In a surprising turn of events, newly-minted Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., managed to unify one of the most divided House Republican Conferences in recent history. After three weeks of turmoil and multiple failed attempts to fill the speakership following ex-Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s ousting, Johnson was elected by a unanimous House Republican caucus. This decision came after a marathon day of meetings and tensions ran high as several lawmakers vied for the coveted position.
Despite not being considered a frontrunner initially, Johnson’s ability to bring the GOP together resonated with his colleagues. According to a GOP lawmaker present during the vote, Johnson was seen as the right choice to lead the House of Representatives. However, his path to becoming the speaker-designate faced obstacles, including objections from McCarthy and Majority Whip Tom Emmer dropping out of the race.
McCarthy’s objections to suspending conference rules to expedite Johnson’s appointment drew criticism from some GOP lawmakers. One of them described McCarthy’s actions as an “outburst” and accused him of working behind the scenes against every speaker-designate, including Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, and Emmer. The source also revealed that McCarthy attempted to block Johnson only when it became clear he had the votes to win.
There were even discussions about reinstating McCarthy and giving Jordan an assistant speaker position, which was seen as a move to regain power. However, this plan was dismissed as a desperate attempt by McCarthy to seize power again.
The role McCarthy played in the House’s state of paralysis ahead of the vote was criticized by Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., who accused him of orchestrating and manipulating the situation to obstruct Johnson’s chances. Mace, one of the eight Republicans who voted alongside Democrats to oust McCarthy, held him responsible for the conference’s division.
Despite these challenges, Johnson emerged as the victor in the speaker election when every Republican present pledged their support to him during a roll call vote. This solidified his position as the new Speaker of the House.
The significance of this development cannot be understated, as it demonstrates Johnson’s ability to bridge divides within the Republican Party. It also highlights the ongoing power struggles and internal dynamics within the GOP. With Johnson at the helm, the House Republicans are now poised to move forward and focus on their goals.
It remains to be seen how Johnson’s leadership will shape the future of the House and the Republican Party as a whole. However, his success in unifying the House Republican Conference is a positive step towards building a stronger and more cohesive party.
Tyler Olson contributed to this report.
Elizabeth Elkind is a reporter for Digital, specializing in Congress and the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and politics. She has previously written for the Daily Mail and CBS News. You can follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to [email protected]. Stay updated with the latest news from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content by subscribing to our newsletter.
