NEW ORLEANS — Who is Mike Johnson, R. of Louisiana, who has been selected as the next Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives?
Johnson represents the Fourth Congressional District of Louisiana, an area in the northwest section of the state, largely populated by Shreveport and Bossier City.
It also includes the cities of Minden, DeRidder, and Natchitoches.
Johnson was elected to Congress in 2017.
According to NOLA.com, Johnson is a right wing congressman. He was elected on the first ballot.
Johnson voted against certifying the 2020 election, against legalizing same-sex marriage, and against more aid to the Ukrainian war effort. He also opposed the continuing resolution that wound up costing McCarthy his job, though he voted to retain McCarthy as speaker. Johnson was also a member of the legal team defending Trump in House impeachment hearings.
Johnson, vice chair of the Republican conference, is an evangelical Christian conservative who is close to the Louisiana Family Forum, the influential religious conservative group in Baton Rouge. A constitutional lawyer, he trained at LSU before joining the state Legislature in 2015, and then Prior to politics, Johnson represented churches, pastors and congregants whose vision of religious freedom conflicted with government regulations.
As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, Johnson chairs a subcommittee that reviews constitutional law and perceived government overreach.
Even outgoing Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) issued a congratulatory statement toward Johnson despite their political differences.
“Congratulations to Louisiana’s Mike Johnson on his election as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives," Edwards stated. " In Louisiana, despite our differences, we have found ways to work across party lines to guide our state through challenges and deliver progress for our people. I hope that Speaker Johnson can bring these Louisiana values to Washington.”
Louisiana Congressman Troy Carter also issued a statement following Johnson's win over fellow Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, who collected 209 votes on the day.
“My vote for Speaker will always be Leader Hakeem Jeffries," stated Carter in a press release issued immediately after the vote. "Leader Jeffries and the Democratic agenda put people over politics. It’s a vote I proudly cast. However, a Speaker is chosen from the majority party. In this case the Republican Party has chosen Congressman Mike Johnson. I trust that Speaker Johnson will do everything in his power to bring order back to the People’s House.
"Mike Johnson and I are ideologically worlds apart, but I consider him a friend and colleague," Carter continued. "Together, we must continue to fight for Louisiana and our great country. Congratulations, Mr. Speaker. Let’s move forward and get back to work.”