In a dramatic turn of events on Capitol Hill, the Republican Party overcame internal divisions to elect Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) as Speaker of the House on the first ballot of Friday’s session. The decision marked the end of weeks of political infighting that had stalled progress in the GOP-controlled chamber.
Johnson secured the required 218 votes after key Republican holdouts—Reps. Ralph Norman of South Carolina and Keith Self of Texas—unexpectedly changed their votes in his favor. Their decision came amid mounting pressure from party leadership and public appeals from President-elect Donald Trump, who had endorsed Johnson as the candidate to unite the Republican majority.
Earlier in the day, Johnson’s bid for the speakership appeared uncertain. During the initial round of voting, he fell just two votes shy of the majority, with three GOP members—Reps. Thomas Massie (KY), Norman, and Self—voting against him. Democrats, meanwhile, remained united behind Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), casting all their votes in his favor.
BREAKING — NORMAN and SELF appear to be changing their votes right now
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) January 3, 2025
However, as the vote progressed, Norman and Self signaled their willingness to back Johnson, paving the way for his election. Rep. Thomas Massie ultimately abstained, reducing the threshold needed for Johnson to claim the gavel.
President-elect Trump played a pivotal role in galvanizing Republican lawmakers. Trump’s public endorsement of Johnson earlier helped urgency of consolidating GOP ranks, particularly with key legislative battles looming.
Johnson’s election signals a pivotal moment for the Republican Party as it prepares to tackle a packed legislative agenda, including budget negotiations and oversight of the Biden administration’s final months. The House must also certify the results of the 2024 presidential election on January 6, a process that will now proceed with a clear Republican majority.
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