On Thursday, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) conveyed his optimism regarding the upcoming Speaker vote in the House scheduled for Friday.
In an interview with “Fox & Friends,” he stated, “We’re going to get this done,” adding that he felt both humbled and honored by President Trump’s endorsement for the position once again.
Johnson highlighted the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans as evidence that the nation is grappling with serious issues.
“The topics we’re discussing this morning demonstrate that we are living in very serious times,” he remarked.
He emphasized the need for Congress to avoid unnecessary drama.
“It is essential that we get Congress moving, starting tomorrow, and we must begin working immediately,” he noted. “We need to certify the election of President Donald J. Trump on January 6, Monday, and we have pressing matters to address, so we cannot afford to waste time. Unity is crucial.”
Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) required 15 ballots before ultimately securing the position in 2023.
Although Johnson encounters fewer critics than McCarthy, his margin for error is slim. The GOP begins with a 219-215 advantage, but Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has publicly stated he will not support Johnson, reducing the count to 218 votes.
For Johnson to be elected Speaker, he would need a total of 218 votes if all members are present.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) has not yet confirmed whether he will support Johnson, and several other votes remain uncertain. Trump’s endorsement has provided Johnson with an advantage, but its effectiveness in securing victory is still uncertain.
If some members opt to vote “present,” it could benefit Johnson. For instance, if Roy chooses to vote “present” while all other Republicans, except for Massie, support Johnson, he could secure a win on the first ballot. Roy’s present vote would result in 233 members being counted as present and voting, requiring only 217 votes for Johnson to achieve a majority.
All 215 Democrats are anticipated to vote for Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-Calif.), and any absence among them could impact the final result.
“It’s a numbers game. We have the smallest margin in U.S. history,” Johnson pointed out on Thursday. “We’ll probably have a margin of two votes tomorrow, so I can only afford to lose one or two.”
“I believe we’ll get it done,” he affirmed. “I truly do.”
