On Thursday, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) clarified that he has not reached out to President-elect Trump for assistance in persuading hesitant Republicans regarding his efforts to maintain the Speakership.
“No, I haven’t, no,” Johnson replied to reporters. “I met with him yesterday at Mar-a-Lago. We had a great visit. But I think this is going to turn out well tomorrow. And we’ll be unified, and we’ll get all this done.”
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Johnson faces the challenge of losing no more than one Republican vote in the Speakership election, provided all members participate. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has already declared his opposition to Johnson, while other lawmakers are looking for commitments from him on specific policy matters.
All Democrats are anticipated to be present on Friday to cast their votes for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), according to information from the Democratic whip’s office shared with The Hill, indicating Johnson will not benefit from any absences among Democrats.
Potential dissenters among Republicans include Reps. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Eric Burlison (R-Mo.), Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), Scott Perry (R-Pa.), and Andy Harris (R-Md.).
Reports indicate that Trump had a conversation on Thursday with Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), who has expressed doubts about Johnson’s ability to secure the necessary votes on Friday. A spokesperson for Trump did not provide a response when asked if he had reached out to other legislators.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Trump stated he would make calls to support Johnson if needed, although he expressed confidence that the Louisiana Republican would succeed in winning the Speakership.
