With his re-election as Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson has gotten a taste of the resistance he can expect within his own Republican group in the near future. On Friday, Johnson was very narrowly elected chairman, and only after two party members changed their choice after the oral vote. Eight Republicans made it clear for the whole world that they are dissatisfied with his leadership.
The conservative from Louisiana was assured of support from future President Trump, but that did not guarantee a unanimous faction. During the vote, prior to the installation of the 435 elected Deputies, three Republicans voted for other colleagues. Five initially abstained, but still backed Johnson to prevent opposition leader Hakeem Jeffries from becoming chairman. Only after two naysayers in the plenary hall had been discussed did they opt for Johnson.
Dire majority
The Republicans won the so-called trifecta in November: the presidency, the Senate and the House. But the majority in the latter institution is extremely dire. 220 Republicans and 215 Democrats have been elected to the House that was installed on Friday. But Matt Gaetz has resigned amid a failed bid to become attorney general and an ethics investigation into paid sex with a minor. This means the difference is only four seats. Two other Representatives voted in favor, but will soon leave the House to join Trump’s cabinet and will not be succeeded until April.
This meant on Friday that Johnson could only afford one dissident to remain chairman. Libertarian Thomas Massie, from Kentucky, had announced before the vote that even “pulling out my fingernails, pushing bamboo into them or cutting off my fingers” would not make him vote for Johnson. He and other Republicans are very dissatisfied with US government spending and debt in general and Johnson’s actions in averting a shutdown in December in particular. The division is also a warning to incoming President Trump, who wants to push expensive plans through Congress.
What saved Johnson was Trump’s expression of support, the lack of an alternative candidate and the desire of most Republicans to radiate unity now that they are in power. In January 2023, that party alone had a majority in the House and it took fifteen rounds of voting to crown Kevin McCarthy as speaker. Within ten months he was deposed by mutiny within his own ranks and Johnson became his successor.
Senate
Meanwhile, a smoother leadership change took place in the Senate. Vice President JD Vance will preside over this chamber after the inauguration on January 20, but the Republican faction already decided in November that John Thune will be their new leader. The senator from South Dakota takes over from Mitch McConnell, who led the Republicans since 2005. Thanks to the Republican win in November, Thune is no longer the most powerful senator, rather than Democrat Chuck Schumer.