President-elect Donald Trump urged Republicans to unite behind House Speaker Mike Johnson on Friday as the Louisiana representative faced a high-stakes vote to retain his leadership role. Johnson, who has served as Speaker since October 2023, must secure near-total Republican support to remain in the position as the 119th Congress convenes.
"Good luck today for Speaker Mike Johnson, a fine man of great ability, who is very close to having 100% support," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "A win for Mike today will be a big win for the Republican Party, and yet another acknowledgment of our 129-year most consequential Presidential Election! MAGA!"
The vote comes with little margin for error. Republicans hold 219 seats in the House compared to the Democrats' 215, meaning Johnson needs at least 218 votes if all members are present and voting. Democrats are expected to unanimously back their leader, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, forcing Johnson to rely on nearly every GOP member.
Complicating matters, Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky has announced he does not plan to vote for Johnson. Massie's opposition narrows Johnson's path to reelection, raising the possibility of a prolonged Speaker selection process. The Speaker's role is critical, as the House cannot conduct business, including certifying Trump's 2024 presidential election victory, until a leader is chosen.
Johnson has taken a firm stance against negotiating deals to secure votes. "I don't do anything in exchange for a vote, other than commit to make this institution work as effectively, as efficiently as possible," Johnson said ahead of the vote.
Johnson originally became Speaker on October 25, 2023, following weeks of turmoil that began with the ousting of then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy, who held the position for only nine months, was removed after a small faction of Republicans joined Democrats in voting to vacate the chair. Johnson emerged as the GOP's fourth nominee after a contentious selection process.
Trump's endorsement of Johnson underscores the former president's continued influence over the Republican Party. Trump's social media posts have framed Johnson's reelection as a pivotal moment for the GOP, particularly as the party seeks to solidify its agenda with a slim majority in Congress.
While Johnson's leadership has faced criticism from some within his party, his allies argue that he has provided stability during a tumultuous period. The Speaker vote, however, will serve as a litmus test for both Johnson's leadership and Trump's sway over House Republicans.
