Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Thursday expressed confidence about his possibilities forward of the Home’s Speaker vote on Friday.
“We’re going to get this done,” Johnson stated in an interview on “Fox & Friends.” “I’m humbled and honored to have President Trump’s endorsement for the role again.”
Johnson pointed to the New Yr’s Day assault in New Orleans, noting that critical points are occurring throughout the nation.
“The things that we’re talking about this morning are an illustration that we live in very serious times,” Johnson stated.
The Speaker argued the nation and Congress can’t afford drama.
“We have got to get the Congress started, which begins tomorrow, and we have to get immediately to work,” he stated. “We have to certify the election of President Donald J. Trump on January 6, on Monday, and we have many important things pressing on us right now, so there’s no time to waste. We have to stay unified.”
Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) confronted 15 ballots earlier than he was efficiently named Speaker in 2023.
Johnson does not face as massive numerous critics as McCarthy, however he has little room for maneuvering. The GOP will begin with a 219-215 benefit, however Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has stated he won’t vote for Johnson, which brings his quantity to 218.
If all members are current, Johnson would want 218 votes to be elected Speaker.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) has but to say whether or not he’ll again Johnson, and a handful of different votes are in query.
Trump gave Johnson a lift, handing him an endorsement to proceed main the Home. However it’s not clear whether or not that can get him excessive.
If some members select to vote current, it may assist Johnson. For instance, if Roy voted current and each different Republican apart from Massie voted for Johnson, he would win on the primary poll. Roy’s current vote would depart 233 members current and voting, which means 217 votes for Johnson could be a majority.
All 215 Democrats are anticipated to vote for Minority Chief Hakeem Jeffries (D-Calif.). If any of them miss the vote, it additionally may have an effect on the result.
“It’s a numbers game. We have the smallest margin in U.S. history,” Johnson stated Thursday. “We’ll have a margin of probably two votes tomorrow during that so, [I] can only afford to lose one or two.”
“But I think we’ll get it done,” he continued. “I really do.”
