Mike Johnson, a Republican ally of President-elect Donald Trump, has been re-elected as Speaker of the US House of Representatives in a closely contested first-round vote.
Despite the Republican Party’s slim majority in the House, Johnson managed to secure the necessary 218 votes, overcoming initial resistance from within his ranks.
The Democrats, led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, nominated him as their candidate, garnering 215 votes. One additional vote was cast for another member, according to reports by the BBC.
Earlier in the proceedings, Johnson’s re-election appeared uncertain. Three Republican lawmakers—Thomas Massie, Ralph Norman, and Keith Self—initially voted against him, jeopardizing his chances. With some conservative Republicans abstaining from the vote, the possibility of a divided GOP caucus and a potential victory for Jeffries loomed.
In a surprising turn, Norman and Self changed their votes at the last minute, swinging support in Johnson’s favor and securing his win.
Following the victory, Johnson addressed the chamber, pledging to champion “America first” policies. His re-election as Speaker of the 119th Congress underscores the fragile dynamics within the House’s narrow Republican majority.
