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 17, 2023, 2:01 PM EDT

The 20 Republicans who voted against Jordan

Twenty House Republicans cast their ballot for someone other than Jordan.

Seven voted for Scalise: Reps. Tony Gonzales of Texas, Kay Granger of Texas, Mario Diaz Balart of Florida, Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania, John Rutherford of Florida, Reps. Mike Simpson of Idaho and Steve Womack of Arkansas.

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

Three voted for former New York congressman Lee Zeldin: Reps. Anthony D’Espositio, Andrew Garbarino and Nick LaLota -- all members of the New York delegation.

Kansas Rep. Jake Ellzey voted for Mike Garcia of California; Colorado's Ken Buck voted for House Majority Whip Tom Emmer; Michigan Rep. John James voted for Oklahoma Rep. Tom Cole; and Indiana Rep. Victoria Spartz voted for Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky.

The House of Representatives meets to vote on a new Speaker of the House at the Capitol, Oct. 17, 2023.
Win Mcnamee/Getty Images

Oct 17, 2023, 1:56 PM EDT

Jordan loses first round of voting

Jordan lost his first bid for the speakership. He received 200 votes, but needed at least 217 to clinch the gavel.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, nominated by Democrats, received 212 votes. Twenty lawmakers voted for someone else.

Oct 17, 2023, 1:33 PM EDT

McCarthy, ousted exactly 2 weeks ago, votes for Jordan

McCarthy, toppled by a small group of GOP hard-liners on Oct. 3, voted for Jordan to be his successor.

The moment was met with applause from the Republican side of the chamber.

But Jordan is still on track to lose on the first ballot, with 15 Republicans casting a vote for someone else.

Former Speaker of the House Rep. Kevin McCarthy walks to the House chambers ahead of today's planned vote for Speaker of the House in the House of Representatives at the Capitol, Oct. 17, 2023.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Oct 17, 2023, 1:14 PM EDT

Jordan already falls short of vote needed

The vote is ongoing, but Jordan does not appear to have the support needed to win on the first ballot.

At least five Republicans have voted for someone else.

Two lawmakers, Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska and Rep. Lori Chavez-Deremer of Oregon voted for McCarthy. Anthony D’Esposito voted for former Rep. Lee Zeldin., Rep. Mario Diaz Balart of Florida voted for Steve Scalise. Rep. Jake Ellzey voted for fellow Republican Rep. Mike Garcia.

PHOTO: Rep. Jim Jordan, the top contender in the race to be the next Speaker of the House of Representatives, stands at the back wall of the House Chamber before the start of the first round of voting for a new Speaker at the Capitol, Oct. 17, 2023.
Rep. Jim Jordan, the top contender in the race to be the next Speaker of the House of Representatives, stands alone at the back wall of the House Chamber shortly before the start of the first round of voting for a new Speaker at the Capitol, Oct. 17, 2023.
Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

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