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

Just before voting is set to start, Johnson posted a lengthy statement on X about how he plans to deliver on fiscal responsibility if elected.

The promises appeared to be aimed at assuaging the concerns of Republican hard-liners.

He said as speaker, he would commit to creating a working group of independent experts to work with House committees and the "Department of Government Efficiency" -- an outside government group to be led by Trump allies Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.

Those experts, he said, will be tasked with reviewing existing audits of federal agencies and issuing a report to his office that he will make public.

Johnson also pledged to request House committees "undertake aggressive authorizations and appropriations reviews, including providing additional resources where needed, to expose irresponsible or illegal practices and hold agencies/individuals accountable that have weaponized government against the American people."

Rep. Victoria Spartz, a key holdout who had said she wanted to see Johnson commit publicly to creating such structures in the House, responded to his statement but still didn't say how she would vote.

"I appreciate [Speaker Johnson's] public commitment to the American people to deliver on President Trump’s agenda and drain the swamp," Spartz wrote on X.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who just underwent a hip surgery after falling during a congressional delegation trip abroad, is present for Friday's vote.

Democrats clapped and cheered when she briefly walked into the chamber.

Pelosi was seen on the House floor without crutches.

In a social media post, Pelosi said she was "proud" to return the Capitol to support Hakeem Jeffries, the House minority leader, for speaker.

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.

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."

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.