Rep. Mike Johnson, a Republican of Louisiana, has been elected as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, bringing an end to three weeks of uncertainty in US politics.
In the floor vote, Johnson won the support of all 220 Republicans who cast a ballot, while all 209 Democrats present voted for their leader, Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Due to four absences in the chamber, Johnson needed 215 votes to become speaker.
Delivering his first speech as the 56th speaker of the House, Johnson vowed to “rebuild and restore” the trust of the American people, which he acknowledged had been damaged by the chaos of recent weeks.
“At this time of great crisis, it is our duty to work together, as previous generations of great leaders have, to face these great challenges and solve these great problems,” Johnson said.
The position of Speaker of the House of Representatives is one of the most powerful political chairs in the country and is third in the line of succession after the US President.
“We want our allies around the world to know that this body of lawmakers is reporting again to our duty stations. Let the enemies of freedom around the world hear us loud and clear: the people’s House is back in business.”
I am honored to have been elected the 56th Speaker of the House. It is time to come together to deliver for the American people! pic.twitter.com/gQSSIfXgeR
— Rep. Mike Johnson (@RepMikeJohnson) October 25, 2023
In a statement congratulating Johnson on his victory, Joe Biden pledged to “work with [House Republicans] in good faith on behalf of the American people”.
“Even though we have real disagreements about important issues, there should be mutual effort to find common ground wherever we can,” Biden said. “This is a time for all of us to act responsibly, and to put the good of the American people and the everyday priorities of American families above any partisanship.”
Donald Trump congratulated newly minted Speaker Mike Johnson after initially offering qualified support that he said wasn’t an endorsement.
“Congratulations to Rep. Mike Johnson. He will be a GREAT ‘SPEAKER.’ MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump wrote on his social media platform.
Rep. Mike Johnson was first elected in 2017. He has now been in Congress for six years, fewer than any speaker in recent history.
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