Mike Johnson has secured re-election as House Speaker on the first ballot, overcoming initial opposition from three Republican lawmakers. The victory came after some last-minute drama and negotiation.
Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Reps. Ralph Norman and Keith Self of Texas initially voted for other candidates, threatening Johnson’s chances of obtaining the majority needed to win. However, Norman and Self switched their votes shortly after, ensuring Johnson’s victory.
President-elect Donald Trump played a key role in rallying support for Johnson, reiterating his backing for the incumbent and personally calling Republican holdouts to sway their votes.
With the Republicans holding a narrow 219-215 majority, Johnson could afford no more than one defection from his party, making every vote critical in the process.
