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.
Lisa McClain nominates Johnson for reelection as speaker
House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain rose to give the nominating speech for Johnson after the quorum call.
"On Nov. 5, the American people gave us a great opportunity to get America back on the right track ... And ladies and gentleman, today we have the opportunity to do just that," she said, prompting cheers from GOP members.
Republican members of the House of Representatives applaud Speaker of the House Mike Johnson after he was nominated by House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain during the first session of the 119th Congress in Washington, Jan. 3, 2025.
Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images
She praised Johnson, saying he was given a tough task when he took over for McCarthy in late 2023.
"No speaker is perfect, and no one will ever be, however, achieving perfection requires incremental gains and hard decisions along the way," she said.
Jan 03, 2025, 12:29 PM EST
Johnson outlines new commitments ahead of high-stakes vote
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.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson gavels in the first session of the 119th Congress, in the House Chamber at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 3, 2025.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images
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.
Rep. Victoria Spartz and Rep. Chip Roy confer during the first session of the 119th Congress, ahead of the vote for Speaker of the House in the House Chamber at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 3, 2025.
Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images
Jan 03, 2025, 12:15 PM EST
Democrats cheer as Nancy Pelosi returns to Capitol after hip surgery
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.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi is greeted upon arrival as the House of Representatives meets to elect a speaker and convene the new 119th Congress at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 3, 2025.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP
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.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi is greeted upon arrival as the House of Representatives meets to elect a speaker and convene the new 119th Congress at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 3, 2025.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP
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."
