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, 1:32 PM EST

Johnson appears on track to lose 1st round

With three defections so far, Johnson appears on track to lose this first round of voting.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson sits on the House floor during the vote for the Speaker of the House at the start of the 119th Congress at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 3, 2025.
Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Rep. Keith Self, a Texas Republican, is the third Republican to vote for another candidate. He cast his ballot for Florida Rep. Byron Donalds.

However, members can still change their votes as the roll call is ongoing.

With three defections so far, Johnson appears on track to lose this first round of voting.
9:04

Rep. Mike Johnson appears on track to lose first round of House speaker vote

With three defections so far, Johnson appears on track to lose this first round of voting.
ABCNews.com
Jan 03, 2025, 1:28 PM EST

Another Republican defects from Johnson

South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman just voted for Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

Norman is the second Republican to vote for someone else besides Johnson.

Jan 03, 2025, 1:23 PM EST

Rep. Thomas Massie is 1st Republican to not vote for Johnson

As expected, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky did not vote for Johnson.

Instead, Massie cast his ballot for Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer, who currently serves as the House majority whip.

Rep. Thomas Massie arrives for the first day of the 119th Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol, Jan. 3, 2025, in Washington.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Jan 03, 2025, 1:19 PM EST

Several GOP hard-liners withholding vote for now

Rep. Andy Harris of North Carolina, chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, did not respond when his name was called to vote.

He is one of several Republican holdouts who did not reply when called.

Related Topics