Last week was a landmark week for Republicans. Not only did the GOP take both the presidency and the Senate, the party also took the House of Representatives.
This left Republicans having to decide who the next House Speaker would be. Would they stick with the current House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), or would they go with someone else entirely?
Now, Johnson has learned his fate. Indeed, Republicans have announced Johnson as their nominee in the race for the speakership.
From Daily Wire:
Johnson received unanimous support in a voice vote, according to reports, locking him in for the full House vote that will likely take place in early January.Hours earlier, President-elect Donald Trump had met with House Republicans on Capitol Hill and told them that he was with Johnson “all the way,” according to multiple reports.
The conservative Freedom Caucus, which reportedly had wanted a challenger to Johnson or at least a secret ballot, did not end up putting up a fight against a voice vote, per Punchbowl News’ Melanie Zanona.
It’s been reported that a deal was made that will preclude amendments to “punish members” in return for raising the threshold for the motion to vacate to nine members.
Johnson was first elected as Speaker back in October of 2023 after then-Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). Johnson has since been forced to grapple with a Democrat-led Senate and President Joe Biden. That means that a Republican-led Senate and a Republican president will certainly be a welcome change for him!
After the election, Johnson sent a letter to his fellow Republican lawmakers asking for their support. In it, he listed out some of the priorities he will have as Speaker.
“The mandate that has been delivered shows that a majority of Americans are eager for secure borders, lower costs, peace through strength, and a return to common sense,” he said.
“With unified Republican government, if we meet this historic moment together, the next two years can result in the most consequential Congress of the modern era,” Johnson continued.
Other Leadership Selections
Other leadership selections among House Republicans also occurred on Wednesday. Staying in their respective roles will be Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN).
Meanwhile, Donald Trump chose House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-NY) as his nominee for U.N. ambassador. He is hoping that she will be his “enforcer” in the United Nations.
Reps. Lisa McClain (R-MI) was chosen to replace Stefanik in her leadership position. She came out victorious over Kat Cammack (R-FL) in a 146-67 vote.
“I am honored to be chosen by my colleagues,” McClain said in response to her win. “I am excited to lead our unified team alongside President Trump and [Speaker Johnson] to pass the America First agenda.”
Stefanik had been the GOP Conference chair since taking over the role from then-Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) in 2021. The never-Trump Cheney is thankfully no longer in Congress, so we don’t need to worry about dealing with her again!
These truly are some exciting times that we are living in. Indeed, this election was a clear referendum on the Democratic Party and their radically woke agenda.
We can’t wait to see what Johnson and his fellow Republicans can get done in the years to come!
Source: Daily Wire
