Mike Johnson faces leadership test as US House begins new session with vote
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Chamber will start with speakership vote that could cement his leadership or plunge Congress into turmoil. The US House of Representatives will begin its new session on Friday with a dramatic speakership vote that could either cement Republican Mike Johnson’s leadership or plunge Congress into turmoil, as Republican dissent threatens his hold on power.
As the House’s first order of business – which is scheduled to begin around noon Eastern time – members must elect a speaker before they can be sworn in. Each representative will stand to declare their choice in a roll call vote, with Johnson needing a majority of all members voting to secure victory.
Johnson faces a close mathematical path to victory. With Republicans holding a slim 219-215 majority, and Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie already declaring his opposition, Johnson can’t afford to lose a single additional vote without risking multiple rounds of voting reminiscent of last session’s speaker election chaos.
Assuming all 434 current House members participate (there is one vacancy), Johnson needs 218 votes to win. With Democrats expected to unite behind their leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, and Massie planning to vote against him, Johnson starts with exactly 218 potential votes – the bare minimum needed. Any additional defection would deny him a majority and force a second ballot.
