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 24, 2023, 10:08 PM EDT

Rep. Mike Johnson wins GOP speaker nomination

Rep. Mike Johnson has won the GOP speaker nomination. In a third round of voting his vote total jumped up to 128.

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy came in second with 43 votes, while Rep. Byron Donalds came in third with 29.

-ABC's Lauren Peller, Rachel Scott, Allison Pecorin and Jay O'Brien

Oct 24, 2023, 9:59 PM EDT

2nd GOP vote for fourth speaker designee sees Rep. Johnson in lead again

The GOP's second ballot vote results for the 4th speaker designee have concluded and Rep. Mike Johnson came out on top for the second time, earning 12 additional votes for a total of 97. Rep. Byron Donalds came in second with 31 votes -- one less than the first round; Rep. Mark Green came in third with 21 votes, losing two votes, and Rep. Roger Williams was fourth with 20 votes.

-ABC's Lauren Peller, Rachel Scott, Allison Pecorin and Jay O'Brien

Oct 24, 2023, 9:42 PM EDT

1st GOP vote for 4th speaker designee puts Rep. Johnson in lead

The GOP's first ballot vote results for the fourth speaker designee have concluded and Rep. Mike Johnson has come out on top with 85 votes, according to ABC News' sources. Rep. Byron Donalds came in second with 32 votes; Rep. Mark Green in third with 23 votes; Rep. Roger Williams in fourth with 21, and Rep. Chuck Fleishmann in fifth with 10 votes.

A total of 31 votes were cast for other lawmakers not named. Two Republicans voted present.

-ABC's Lauren Peller, Rachel Scott, Allison Pecorin and Jay O'Brien

Oct 24, 2023, 8:48 PM EDT

McCarthy floats plan to return as speaker and name Jordan assistant speaker: Sources

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy floated a plan to GOP members Tuesday night, in which he would return as speaker of the House and make Rep. Jim Jordan an assistant speaker, multiple sources tell ABC News.

Two sources briefed on the plan suggested it would be modeled after the arrangement former speaker Nancy Pelosi had with assistant speaker Katherine Clark.

Details about the plan were scarce.

Since McCarthy and Jordan were both rejected by Republicans for the role previously, some suspect it to be a long shot. Sources believe, though, that the idea could pick up traction if another nominee fails to get the votes.

McCarthy is huddled with aides and allies behind closed doors, sources said. There are still five Republicans running for the post, and Rep. Max Miller asked each of them if they would support McCarthy returning as speaker, sources also said. The candidates were reportedly split, with the conservative members dodging the question.

Earlier today, ABC News asked McCarthy if he would consider returning as speaker. He didn't rule it out, saying it was up to the conference to decide the path forward.

-ABC's Rachel Scott, Ben Siegel and Jay O'Brien

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