New Speaker Mike Johnson projects unity after 3 weeks of chaos, expects 'aggressive' House schedule

Johnson received 220 votes with no Republicans voting against him.

By
Alexandra Hutzler
,
John Parkinson
 and
Lauren Peller
October 17, 2023, 10:12 AM ET

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.
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Oct 17, 11:55 AM EDT

Timing of the first-round speaker vote

Here's the timing for what we expect for the first round of speaker votes this afternoon:

  • The clerk (Kevin McCumber, acting clerk) calls the House of Representatives to order at noon EST.
  • Prayer led by Margaret Grun Kibben -- the first female chaplain of the House.
  • Pledge of Allegiance led by the House clerk.
  • Quorum call is ordered by the clerk. Members are called to vote electronically by state. At this point, we will hear the official number of lawmakers present and voting.
  • Election for speaker with nominations made by selected lawmakers. Typically, one lawmaker from each party is nominated -- in this case, Jordan is the Republican nominee and Jeffries is the Democratic nominee. House Republican Conference chairwoman Elise Stefanik will nominate Jordan; House Democratic Caucus chairman Pete Aguilar will nominate Jeffries.
  • Debate on the nomination of candidates for speaker is allowed but not customary.
  • “Tellers” are appointed to count “viva voce” voice votes, usually two members from each side of the aisle. A “viva voce” vote is one spoken aloud. The (usually) four tellers take a seat at the dais and tally votes on paper.
  • Roll is then called by the House reading clerk with members calling out the last name of their chosen speaker; the clerk repeats the choice so everyone hears it. This could take up to one hour.
  • The House clerk announces the results; appoints an escort committee to formally escort the new Speaker-elect into the chamber.
    • Oct 17, 10:57 AM EDT

    Does Jordan have the votes?

    Currently the whole number of the House is 433, with two vacancies that won’t be filled until later this year. Presuming all 433 members vote, Jordan would need 217 votes to be named speaker.

    But a whip count from ABC News shows it's unlikely Jordan, who won the GOP nomination on Friday, has locked down the votes. He can only afford to lose four votes. As of right now, up to 10 Republicans have signaled that they plan to vote for someone other than Jordan on the first ballot. No Democrats are expected to support Jordan’s nomination.

    A top aide to Jordan told ABC News that the congressman has “been meeting with members and making calls” this morning ahead of the vote.

    Oct 17, 10:54 AM EDT

    What to expect

    The House will convene at noon today to consider the nomination of Jordan for speaker.

    First, a quorum call will be ordered by the clerk for members to establish the official number of lawmakers present and voting.

    Then, the election for speaker will take place. Typically, one lawmaker from each party is nominated: Jordan for Republicans and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for Democrats. Lawmakers will then have a period of debate before a roll call vote in which each member will be called upon to state who they support for speaker.

    If the first round fails, they have to restart this process or the House might recess so members could meet behind closed doors in conference.

    Oct 17, 10:55 AM EDT

    Who is Jim Jordan?

    The Ohio Republican won the GOP nomination for speaker last week.

    A conservative firebrand and favorite of former President Donald Trump, Jordan was first elected to Congress in 2006 and in 2015, founded the House Freedom Caucus -- a conservative group that supports hard-line stances on government spending, health care, immigration and other issues.

    Now, as the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Jordan is one of the Republicans leading the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden and investigations into his son, Hunter.

    Read more about Jordan's rise here.

    -ABC's Sarah Beth Hensley

    Oct 23, 7:46 PM EDT

    Speaker race down to 8 after Rep. Meuser drops out

    Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Dan Meuser told reporters outside the candidate forum Monday night that he is dropping out of the speaker's race.

    "I came in late and have other commitments I want to adhere to," Meuser said.

    Meuser said he's helping former President Trump's 2024 campaign in Pennsylvania.

    There are now eight candidates running for House speaker.

    Meuser said he hasn't decided who he will endorse in the speaker's race.

    "If it keeps up any longer, I think it will," Meuser said when asked if the inability to elect a speaker will cost the Republicans the House majority.

    -ABC News' Lauren Peller, Rachel Scott and Ben Siegel