Washington—The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives has finally come together to vote for a new Speaker of the House, Rep. Mike Johnson, who's arguably one of the most well-rounded conservative House Freedom Caucus members in the Republican congressional delegation.
The final vote count was 220-209.
After former President Donald Trump delivered a "kill shot" social media message against the former Speaker-designate Rep. Tom Emmer (D), Now-Speaker Johnson was seen as the clear favorite in the Speaker race alongside Florida Rep. Byron Donalds.
Rep. Johnson won the majority of the secret vote needed to garner the nomination after the second vote Tuesday night. Some 43 supporters of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy secretly voted for the former speaker but then changed their vote after the majority of the Republican caucus demanded a roll call of the vote.
None of the secret McCarthy supporters had the fortitude to openly oppose Rep. Johnson and voted for him during the first and only House floor vote on Wednesday.
"I was proud to vote “For the Republic, Mike Johnson” on behalf of Florida’s 7th District. Honored to serve with @RepMikeJohnson as the 56th Speaker of The House," stated Rep. Cory Mills (R)
Texas Rep. Jodey Arrington, who briefly considered running for Speaker, also expressed his support for now-Speaker Johnson.
“Mike Johnson is my classmate and closest of friends, and I can say from experience and without reservation that he is a man of integrity, a principled conservative, and a courageous leader," stated Rep. Arrington. "He is the right person at the right time to reunite our conference, restore trust in our institution, and refocus us on our mission to restore freedom and return power back to We the People.
