WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — President-elect Trump endorsed Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., for another term Monday. However, Johnson faces a challenging reelection fight, as many Republican lawmakers oppose him, potentially stalling the new Congress before it even begins.
The House speaker vote scheduled for Friday at noon is shaping up to be a close contest. Johnson will need the support of every Republican to secure the position.
However, Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., told NewsNation that he is “not yet a yes,” signaling potential challenges ahead. He also suggested the vote could spark an important discussion within the party.
Rich McCormick ‘most likely’ voting for Mike Johnson as speaker
“I think it’s very unrealistic that somebody else is gonna be able to come in and grab the reins. That’s why I said most likely he will be the next speaker, but that doesn’t mean there can’t be conversations. That’s where you have your leverage. This is the one time where that you have before you elect a speaker to get assurances and a plan — something makes sense to us,” McCormick said.
Even with Trump’s endorsement, how close could this vote get?
To hold onto the gavel, Johnson can afford to lose only one Republican vote — assuming all Democrats vote against him and every House member casts a vote.
Rep. Tom Massie, R-Ky., has shown opposition, criticizing Johnson in a post on the social media platform X: “We’ve seen Johnson partner with the Democrats to send money to Ukraine, authorize spying on Americans, and blow the budget.”
Other potential no-votes include Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris, who remains undecided, along with former Freedom Caucus Chair Scott Perry, and Congressman Andy Biggs.
Rep. Victoria Spartz, R-Ind., has also raised concerns, calling on Johnson to present a plan for implementing Trump’s agenda.
On Monday, she released a list of requirements to earn her vote, including a push for spending audits.
GOP lawmakers on the fence ahead of vote
Johnson secured a potentially pivotal endorsement from Trump, who wrote in a post on Truth Social, “The American people need IMMEDIATE relief from all of the destructive policies of the last Administration. Speaker Mike Johnson is a good, hard working, religious man. He will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN.”
Johnson has also received support from billionaire Elon Musk.
The House will remain at a standstill until a speaker is elected, and Republicans hope to avoid the turmoil surrounding former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who secured the post after 15 rounds of voting over four days.
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If Johnson isn’t the GOP’s pick for speaker, who might step up?
So far, no Republican has expressed interest in the role, but a few other names could potentially emerge as alternatives.
Rep. Jim Jordan, a popular figure within the party, previously launched a brief but unsuccessful bid for the speakership following Kevin McCarthy’s ouster. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer might also be considered.
For now, Johnson remains the frontrunner, though uncertainty looms over the upcoming vote.
