Johnson wins dramatic reelection as speaker after 2 GOP hard-liners switch votes

The Republican holdouts changed their votes after calls from Donald Trump.

ByAlexandra Hutzler, Lauren Peller, John Parkinson, and Arthur Jones II
Last Updated: January 3, 2025, 2:42 PM EST

In some high-stakes political drama, the House of Representatives on Friday voted to reelect House Speaker Mike Johnson to lead the 119th Congress by a razor-thin margin.

Johnson, a Louisiana Republican who ascended to the leadership post in 2023 after the historic ouster of Kevin McCarthy, had secured President-elect Donald Trump's support as he sought a second term.

But Johnson's handling of the government spending fight just before Christmas angered some of the GOP's right flank. Three Republicans initially defected from Johnson during the vote, but two ultimately changed their votes to hand him the gavel.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news developed:
Jan 03, 2025, 12:09 PM EST

Johnson brushes off possibly losing on 1st round

Johnson told ABC News' Jay O'Brien if he loses on the first ballot, it says "nothing."

"It's a part of the process but I expect that we will get it done," Johnson said before entering the House chamber for the speaker's vote.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson speaks with Representative Chip Roy as the House of Representatives gather to elect the Speaker of the House for the 119th Congress at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 3, 2025.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

Johnson said he believes he will gain the votes today to win, trying to project confidence while walking with a swarm of reporters.

"We have to get this job done and unify the conference," Johnson said, adding "And I'm here for the long haul."

Jan 03, 2025, 12:03 PM EST

House kicks off opening day of 119th Congress

The House has gaveled in for the official start of the new Congress.

After a call to order and opening prayer, the House will begin an electronic vote to establish a quorum. Attendance is a critical factor for Johnson, who is navigating a historically tight House majority as he seeks another term as speaker.

Jan 03, 2025, 11:24 AM EST

Speaker vote also a test for Trump

Trump appears to be working the phones ahead of the high-stakes vote.

In an interview with CNN, Trump confirmed he's been in touch with Republican holdouts.

ABC News previously reported Trump and his team were working to strike a deal with Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, an influential member of the House Freedom Caucus who remains undecided on Johnson.

"Chip Roy will do what's right for the country," Trump said during a phone interview with CNN.

President-elect Donald Trump speaks at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, Dec. 22, 2024.
Cheney Orr/Reuters

Jan 03, 2025, 11:02 AM EST

What happens if the House can't elect a speaker

The House can't conduct any business without a speaker, including swearing in members.

If the chamber can't come to an agreement before Monday, the certification of Trump's 2024 election victory could be thrown into chaos.

The House and Senate will convene on Jan. 6 for a joint session of Congress for a finalization of the results of the presidential race, a constitutionally mandated responsibility for lawmakers.

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