He’s going to purge failed policies.
Republican Rep. Mike Johnson from Louisiana was reelected as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives after securing 218 votes in the first ballot. This marked the beginning of the 119th Congress, where Johnson received the necessary votes to clinch the position, narrowly surpassing Democratic Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, who received 215 votes. Some Republicans, including Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, had initially opposed Johnson but later voted for him. At the same time, other Republicans like Reps. Ralph Norman and Keith Self switched their votes to support Johnson at the last moment.
In his speech, Johnson expressed his gratitude, calling the position a “great honor” and emphasizing the importance of preserving American freedom and values. He highlighted that the U.S. must remain a leader in liberty, economy, and culture, stressing the need for policies that put “America first.” Johnson specifically mentioned securing the southern border as his top priority and vowed to reverse policies he viewed as placing America at a disadvantage.
Democratic Rep. Hakeem Jeffries also addressed the House, quoting from Ecclesiastes to remind lawmakers that it was time to govern, not campaign. He called for bipartisan efforts and emphasized the need to prioritize the American people’s needs over partisan conflicts. Meanwhile, Rep. Lisa McClain of Michigan nominated Johnson, praising his leadership and integrity, while Rep. Pete Aguilar of California nominated Jeffries, highlighting his commitment to bipartisanship.
Despite President Trump’s endorsement of Johnson, not all Republicans were unified in their support. Rep. Thomas Massie voiced concerns about Johnson’s past decisions, such as partnering with Democrats on issues like Ukraine funding and surveillance. However, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who had previously clashed with Johnson, showed support for his reelection, urging Republicans to focus on delivering their mandates.
The election of Johnson as speaker follows a tumultuous period in the House. In January 2023, it took 15 rounds of voting for Rep. Kevin McCarthy to secure the speakership. McCarthy was later ousted in a vote in October 2023, with Johnson being elected in his place. Johnson has remained steadfast in his belief that his rise to the position was part of a higher calling, often citing his faith as central to his leadership journey.
