Mike Johnson was reelected Speaker of the House of Representatives on Friday following a prolonged voting process that highlighted ongoing divisions within the Republican Party in Congress. Initially, it appeared that he would not secure the votes needed to retain the leadership role, but two Republicans, who had initially withheld their support, changed their stance and voted for him after more than an hour and a half of negotiations. He was reelected with 218 votes, the minimum number of votes required.
The Republicans control the House of Representatives with a narrow majority of 219–215.
The vote served as an early test of the Republican Party’s ability to unite as it seeks to advance the agenda of President-elect Donald Trump, focusing on tax cuts and strengthening border security. The process also tested the influence of Mr. Trump on Capitol Hill, where a handful of Republicans had expressed a desire to challenge him.
Republicans in the House of Representatives have faced internal divisions over the past two years.
Mr. Johnson took office after the Republican Party removed his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy, mid-term.
Two years ago, Mr. McCarthy was elected Speaker of the House after 15 rounds of voting.
In this new legislature, Republicans will also have control of the Senate, which had previously been held by the Democrats.
Republicans will have a majority of 53–47, far fewer than the 60 votes required to pass most legislation.
With Mr. Trump’s inauguration on January 20, Republicans will control all three branches of government—the two chambers of Congress and the White House.
Traditionally, the first 100 days of a new presidency and Congress represent a period for an ambitious legislative agenda.
“The new president will focus on tariffs, the border, executive orders related to immigration and immigrants, particularly from Mexico and Muslim-majority countries. Then, he will seek any possible compromises to ensure the passage of laws related to issues like the economy and food, as he prefers to refer to them,” said Casey Burgat, a professor at George Washington University, in an interview with Voice of America via Zoom.
