Critics and doubters of House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) are doubling down as the upcoming House speaker election on January 3 approaches.
Why It Matters:
The reluctance among hardline House Republicans to rally behind Johnson highlights the limited influence of President-elect Trump’s recent endorsement of the incumbent speaker. Johnson has faced backlash from his party’s far-right faction, particularly over his willingness to collaborate with Democrats on government spending and foreign aid. Some conservatives argue that a more resolute leader is necessary to align with the incoming Trump administration.
What They’re Saying:
Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) told Axios that “an increasing number of members” are demanding “clear commitments” from Johnson on “substantial spending cuts” before they agree to support him.
Norman joins a group of roughly a dozen Republicans who remain noncommittal about voting for Johnson, despite Trump’s endorsement earlier this week. Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) also refrained from disclosing her voting plans when questioned on Tuesday.
By the Numbers:
When the House reconvenes on January 3, Johnson will hold a slim 219-215 Republican majority. If all members are present, he can afford only one Republican voting against him. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has already pledged to cast his vote for an alternative candidate, leaving Johnson with no room for additional defections.
Behind the Scenes:
Over the holiday break, Johnson has been making strategic calls to secure support, including discussions with the “Five Families,” a coalition of ideological groups within the GOP, according to insiders. While some potential agreements have been floated to win over dissenters, no formal commitments—such as changes to House rules—have been confirmed.
Johnson’s Strategy:
In an interview with Fox News, Johnson proposed “process reforms” as a way to appease his Republican critics. These reforms are intended to address demands for a stricter stance on government spending and reduce bipartisan compromises.
“They were frustrated with how the end-of-year measures were handled,” one House Republican told Axios, referring to Johnson’s detractors. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), a vocal critic, has pushed for greater commitment to member-driven proposals.
Johnson has expressed confidence, stating, “We are ready to advance the America First agenda, starting tomorrow.” His allies caution, however, that failing to elect a speaker could delay the January 6 certification of Trump’s presidential victory.
Key Changes:
Johnson has introduced a rule change in the proposed package for the 119th Congress that would limit who can initiate a vote to remove the speaker. Under the new rules, only a group of at least nine Republicans—not any single member—would have that authority. Democrats have criticized this move as a step away from bipartisan leadership. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), the ranking member of the House Rules Committee, remarked, “Instead of choosing a Speaker of the House, they’ve opted for a Speaker of the Republican Conference, controlled by their most extreme members.”
The Bottom Line:
A Republican lawmaker, speaking anonymously, predicted, “Johnson will secure the position.” However, the path to maintaining his gavel is anything but straightforward.