New Speaker Johnson projects unity, expects 'aggressive' schedule

Johnson received 220 votes with no Republicans voting against him.

ByAlexandra Hutzler, John Parkinson, and Lauren Peller
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.

A look back at key moments:

Here's how the news developed. All times Eastern.
Oct 20, 2023, 1:58 PM EDT

Republicans, in secret ballot, to decide if Jordan should stay in the race

House Republicans are now taking a secret ballot vote on whether Jordan should remain their candidate for speaker.

The goal, for Jordan’s camp, is a “reset” with the House GOP and the supporters of Steve Scalise who are frustrated that the Louisiana Republican won the conference vote but didn’t get to take his nomination to the floor.

Jordan would need a majority in the secret ballot vote to reaffirm his standing. But even if he prevails, it’s unlikely to lead to any softened opposition from his critics.

Rep. Jim Jordan shakes hands with former U.S. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy after McCarthy nominated Jordan as the House of Representatives votes for the third time for Speaker of the House, Oct. 20, 2023, in Washington.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Republicans are voting for or against Jordan, or present. There is no option to vote for other candidates.

If he loses, it’s possible he would step aside and allow others to make a play for the speaker’s gavel. If he wins, he could try to take his nomination to the House floor once again.

-ABC's Benjamin Siegel

Oct 20, 2023, 1:02 PM EDT

Republicans to huddle behind closed doors as House remains paralyzed

Republicans plan to gather yet again behind closed doors Friday afternoon for a conference meeting on how to proceed with the speaker debate.

The meeting is scheduled to start at 1 p.m.

It's been 17 days since the House had a speaker, leaving lawmakers unable to act amid the Israel-Hamas conflict and a looming deadline to fund the government or face a shutdown.

Oct 20, 2023, 12:14 PM EDT

House in recess, next steps unclear

Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry has gaveled the House into recess.

“A speaker has not been elected,” McHenry announced at 12:06 p.m.

Whether there will be a fourth vote today remains unclear. Republicans are expected to hold a conference meeting early Friday afternoon to discuss the path forward.

-ABC's John Parkinson

Oct 20, 2023, 12:04 PM EDT

Jordan loses again, with 25 Republicans voting against him

Jordan was again rejected, this time with 25 Republicans voting against his candidacy.

The Ohio Republican received 194 votes, his lowest total yet. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries received 210 votes, two fewer than in previous rounds due to Democratic absences.

Even with an endorsement from former speaker Kevin McCarthy, Jordan failed to sway holdouts in the Republican conference.
5:21

Jim Jordan fails to secure enough votes in 3rd bid for House speaker

Even with an endorsement from former speaker Kevin McCarthy, Jordan failed to sway holdouts in the Republican conference.
ABCNews.com

Support for GOP Rep. Patrick McHenry, the interim speaker, began to emerge on this ballot. Six Republicans voted this round for the North Carolina Republican.

The speaker's chair remains empty more than two weeks since the historic removal of Kevin McCarthy.

The chair for the Speaker of the House remains empty as they House of Representatives prepares to hold a vote for Speaker at the U.S. Capitol, Oct. 20, 2023, in Washington.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images

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