Trump Ally Mike Johnson Reclaims House Speaker Role in Close Vote

Mike Johnson, a Republican backed by President-elect Donald Trump, has been re-elected as Speaker of the US House of Representatives in a tense first-round vote.

Despite a razor-thin Republican majority in the House, Johnson secured the required 218 votes, narrowly overcoming initial opposition from within his own party.

According to BBC, Democrats had nominated their Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries, who received 215 votes, while one vote went to another member.

Earlier in the session, it seemed Johnson might lose the speakership. Three Republican members—Thomas Massie, Ralph Norman, and Keith Self—had initially voted against him, which would have assured his defeat in the first ballot.

Adding to the drama, some conservative Republicans abstained from voting during their turn, heightening the risk of a fractured GOP caucus. This raised the possibility of Jeffries winning if Republican defections persisted.

However, in a last-minute shift, Norman and Self reversed their positions and voted for Johnson, ensuring his victory.

Following his re-election, Johnson addressed the House, vowing to prioritise “America first” policies. His win solidifies his position as Speaker of the 119th Congress and highlights the delicate balance of power in the closely divided chamber.