New Speaker Johnson projects unity, expects 'aggressive' schedule

Johnson received 220 votes with no Republicans voting against him.

Last Updated: October 25, 2023, 5:40 PM EDT

Rep. Mike Johnson was elected as the 56th speaker of the House Wednesday after three failed GOP tries. Unlike in previous ballots, every single Republican voted for him, giving him 220 votes.

The hard-liner and 2020 election denier said the House will have an “aggressive schedule in the days and weeks ahead.”

The House has faced a chaotic speakership battle that has dragged on for three weeks.

Oct 18, 2023, 4:53 PM EDT

Next House votes happening Thursday afternoon

Majority Whip Tom Emmer's office said the House will not take any further votes Wednesday. The next votes are expected Thursday no earlier than 12 p.m., Emmer said.

That means the soonest the next speaker vote could happen would be Thursday afternoon.

Oct 18, 2023, 4:16 PM EDT

House will not vote again for speaker on Wednesday, next vote possible Thursday

The House is not expected to take another vote for speaker on Wednesday, sources tell ABC News.

Jordan told reporters that another vote for speaker could come Thursday.

Sources tell ABC News that Jordan has also pushed for a vote on a resolution empowering Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry, but it's unclear if the GOP leadership team will agree to put that on the floor while Jordan is still an active candidate for speaker, and while other Republicans may be waiting in the wings to make a play for the gavel if he exits the race.

-ABC's Benjamin Siegel

Temporary House speaker Rep. Patrick McHenry presides as Republicans try to elect Rep. Jim Jordan a top Donald Trump ally, to be the new House speaker, at the Capitol in Washington, Oct. 18, 2023.
Alex Brandon/AP
Oct 18, 2023, 3:51 PM EDT

Rep. Barr jokes with Capitol tourists: 'Any of you want to sign up?'

More than two hours have passed and there's little progress to report with the House still in recess. Still, there was a moment of levity with tourists amid the tense and chaotic speakership battle.

Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky., just popped into the chamber and noticed about 20 visitors seated patiently in the gallery and shouted, "We're looking for a speaker. Any of you want to sign up?"

The crowd laughed and someone shouted a question -- asking him whether lawmakers are coming back for another round of votes for speaker.

He said he thought that was the plan and then walked over to the back of the chamber to chat with the visitors.

"Where are you from?" Barr asked, to which several visitors responded they were from South Carolina, Pittsburgh and Virginia.

Barr, who was the only member in the Chamber during this interaction, mingled for a few minutes before excusing himself.

"Thanks for coming," he said. "Sorry we can't show you any more right now."

Oct 18, 2023, 3:28 PM EDT

Breaking down Jordan's performance, GOP defectors

Jordan received one fewer vote in the second round than he did on Tuesday, receiving 199 votes.

Jordan picked up three members, but lost four others.

Seven Republicans voted for House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who initially won the party's nomination for speaker but bowed out of the race last week. They were: Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida, Drew Ferguson of Georgia, Tony Gonzales of Texas, Kay Granger of Texas, John Rutherford of Florida, Mike Simpson of Idaho and Steve Womack of Arkansas.

Five voted for McCarthy: Reps. Don Bacon of Nebraska, Lori Chavez DeRemer of Oregon, Carlos Gimenez of Florida, Jennifer Kiggans of Virginia and Mike Lawler of New York.

Other Republicans who voted for someone else include Reps Vern Buchanan of Florida, Ken Buck of Ohio, Jake Ellzey of Kansas, Mary Miller-Meeks of Iowa, John James of Michigan, Mike Kelley of Pennsylvania and Pete Stauber of Minnesota.

Republicans stand as Rep. Tom Cole nominates Rep. Jim Jordan for House speaker, as Republicans try to elect Jordan on a second ballot to be the speaker, at the Capitol in Washington, Oct. 18, 2023.
Alex Brandon/AP

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