The House of Representatives on Friday is voting on electing a speaker for the new Congress.
Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican who ascended to the leadership post in 2023 after the historic ouster of Kevin McCarthy, has secured President-elect Donald Trump’s support as he seeks reelection.
But Johnson’s handling of the government spending fight just before Christmas angered some of the GOP’s right flank. Depending on attendance, Johnson may only be able to lose just one Republican vote.
Latest Developments
Jan 3, 12:36 PM
Johnson outlines new commitments ahead of high-stakes vote
Just before voting is set to start, Johnson posted a lengthy statement on X about how he plans to deliver on fiscal responsibility if elected.
The promises appeared to be aimed at assuaging the concerns of Republican hard-liners.
He said as speaker, he would commit to creating a working group of independent experts to work with House committees and the “Department of Government Efficiency” — an outside government group to be led by Trump allies Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.
PHOTO: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson gavels in the first session of the 119th Congress, in the House Chamber at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 3, 2025. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)
Those experts, he said, will be tasked with reviewing existing audits of federal agencies and issuing a report to his office that he will make public.
Johnson also pledged to request House committees “undertake aggressive authorizations and appropriations reviews, including providing additional resources where needed, to expose irresponsible or illegal practices and hold agencies/individuals accountable that have weaponized government against the American people.”
Rep. Victoria Spartz, a key holdout who had said she wanted to see Johnson commit publicly to creating such structures in the House, responded to his statement but still didn’t say how she would vote.
“I appreciate [Speaker Johnson’s] public commitment to the American people to deliver on President Trump’s agenda and drain the swamp,” Spartz wrote on X.
Jan 3, 12:16 PM
Democrats cheer as Nancy Pelosi returns to Capitol after hip surgery
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who just underwent a hip surgery after falling during a congressional delegation trip abroad, is present for Friday’s vote.
Democrats clapped and cheered when she briefly walked into the chamber.
PHOTO: Rep. Nancy Pelosi is greeted upon arrival as the House of Representatives meets to elect a speaker and convene the new 119th Congress at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 3, 2025. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)
Pelosi was seen on the House floor without crutches.
In a social media post, Pelosi said she was “proud” to return the Capitol to support Hakeem Jeffries, the House minority leader, for speaker.
PHOTO: Rep. Nancy Pelosi is greeted upon arrival as the House of Representatives meets to elect a speaker and convene the new 119th Congress at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 3, 2025. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)
Jan 3, 12:10 PM
Johnson brushes off possibly losing on 1st round
Johnson told ABC News’ Jay O’Brien if he loses on the first ballot, it says “nothing.”
“It’s a part of the process but I expect that we will get it done,” Johnson said before entering the House chamber for the speaker’s vote.
PHOTO: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson speaks with Representative Chip Roy as the House of Representatives gather to elect the Speaker of the House for the 119th Congress at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 3, 2025. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)
Johnson said he believes he will gain the votes today to win, trying to project confidence while walking with a swarm of reporters.
“We have to get this job done and unify the conference,” Johnson said, adding “And I’m here for the long haul.”
Jan 3, 12:05 PM
House kicks off opening day of 119th Congress
The House has gaveled in for the official start of the new Congress.
After a call to order and opening prayer, the House will begin an electronic vote to establish a quorum. Attendance is a critical factor for Johnson, who is navigating a historically tight House majority as he seeks another term as speaker.
Jan 3, 11:24 AM
Speaker vote also a test for Trump
Trump appears to be working the phones ahead of the high-stakes vote.
In an interview with CNN, Trump confirmed he’s been in touch with Republican holdouts.
ABC News previously reported Trump and his team were working to strike a deal with Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, an influential member of the House Freedom Caucus who remains undecided on Johnson.
“Chip Roy will do what’s right for the country,” Trump said during a phone interview with CNN.
PHOTO: President-elect Donald Trump speaks at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, Dec. 22, 2024. (Cheney Orr/Reuters)
Jan 3, 11:02 AM
What happens if the House can’t elect a speaker
The House can’t conduct any business without a speaker, including swearing in members.
If the chamber can’t come to an agreement before Monday, the certification of Trump’s 2024 election victory could be thrown into chaos.
The House and Senate will convene on Jan. 6 for a joint session of Congress for a finalization of the results of the presidential race, a constitutionally mandated responsibility for lawmakers.
Jan 3, 10:39 AM
Johnson insists he’s not making deals for the gavel
Despite days of closed-door meetings with Republican holdouts, Johnson insists he’s not cutting any deals to win them over.
“My simple message to my colleagues is make suggestions about process and improvements. We are open to that at all times. But I don’t make deals with anyone,” he said.
“There’s no quid pro quo here,” Johnson added. “I don’t do anything in exchange for a vote other than commit to make this institution work as effectively and efficiently as possible.”
In the previous Congress, McCarthy was forced to meet Republican hardliner demands to be elected speaker after a four-day voting process. One of those demands — a lower threshold to bring a motion to vacate — led to his downfall just seven months later when he was forced out of leadership by a small group of GOP members.
Jan 3, 10:36 AM
Johnson’s message to GOP: ‘We don’t have time for drama’
Johnson had a simple message for his conference ahead of the vote.
“We don’t have time for drama,” Johnson told reporters.
PHOTO: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson talks with members of the media while walking to his office on Jan. 3, 2025, in Washington. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Johnson said he was speaking with members and urging them to be unified so they can quickly get to work on Trump’s agenda.
“This election is not just about one person. It’s about moving forward with the America First agenda. A mandate was given by the American people — the electorate — President Trump got 77 million votes. The House Republicans got almost 75 million. Thats a record number. They are expecting us to get to work,” Johnson added.
Jan 3, 10:10 AM
What Johnson is thinking
Johnson expressed confidence in winning the speaker vote as he entered the Capitol on Friday.
Asked by ABC News if he will be successful in the first round, he replied: “I think so.”
But privately, House leadership sources say they’re also preparing for the very real possibility of a bruising floor fight, going multiple rounds of voting.
PHOTO: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson leaves his office in the U.S. Capitol, Jan. 3, 2025, in Washington. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
In 2023, it took McCarthy 15 rounds of voting and several concessions to be elected speaker.
Johnson has been adamant he won’t make any backroom deals to keep his job. And moderate Republicans have been publicly cautioning Johnson against giving too much away to the further-right undecided votes.
-ABC News’ Jay O’Brien
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