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By Joseph Lord and Jackson Richman | Updated: Jan. 3, 2025
WASHINGTON—House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) enters the first session of the 119th Congress with a singular goal: retaining his position amid brewing Republican dissent.
At 12 p.m. ET on Jan. 3, the newly seated Congress will commence its most critical task—electing a speaker. No other legislative actions, including the formal certification of President-elect Donald Trump’s Jan. 6 electoral victory, can proceed until this is resolved.
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To secure the gavel, Johnson needs a majority of votes in the House. With 219 Republican seats and one vacant, he must gain 218 votes. Yet,
the narrow GOP majority leaves no room for defections, and at least one Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), has declared opposition to his leadership.
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A Divided GOP
Johnson's position mirrors challenges faced by his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who endured a grueling five-day, 15-ballot vote to secure the speakership at the start of the 118th Congress.
Like McCarthy, Johnson faces scrutiny over his conservative credentials and establishment ties.
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Rep. Massie announced on social media that he would not vote for Johnson, drawing parallels between Johnson and former Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.),
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