WASHINGTON — Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson has been elected Speaker of the House after securing 220 votes of 215 needed – ending a three week standoff on Capitol Hill.
On Tuesday, Johnson emerged as the fourth nominee for the job.
“The people’s House is back in business,” Johnson said, according to the Associated Press.
He is a Christian Conservative from Benton which is in the Shreveport area.
Johnson is in the middle of his fourth term.
He was first elected to Congress in 2017, after serving in the Louisiana Legislature.
“Mike Johnson, who has only been in Congress for six and a half years, has done something that better known, and more tenured Republican members have not been able to do: get himself elected Speaker with the unanimous support of the Republican conference,” WWL-TV Political Analyst Clancy DuBos said. “This speaks volumes about his ability to work with his colleagues, who remain very fractured.”
Until Wednesday, Johnson had a relatively low profile in the House, serving as the Vice-Chair of the Republican Conference, a lower-ranked position in the House GOP.
He voted against certifying the 2020 election and, against legalizing same-sex marriage.
Elevating Johnson to speaker now gives Louisianans two high-ranking GOP leaders, putting him above Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who was rejected by hardliners in his own bid as speaker.
“Now two big questions remain: First, can Johnson hold the conference together on the burning issues, like keeping government open and maintaining military aid to Ukraine,” said DuBos. “Second, what happens now to Steve Scalise? It’s not clear if the rest of the Republican conference will tolerate the top two positions being held by members from one relatively small state.”
Again, Congressman Mike Johnson is the new House Speaker, elected Wednesday by a unanimous vote of Republican lawmakers.
Newly elected Governor and fellow Republican, Jeff Landry, was one of several Louisiana politicians to publicly congratulate Johnson.
"Congratulations, Speaker Mike Johnson," Landry tweeted on X, formerly known at Twitter. "You and Majority Leader Steve Scalise make Louisiana so proud. Grateful to count you as friends. Let's geaux!"
Republican Senator Bill Cassidy also took to social media, posting: "Your deep faith and natural ability to lead will make you an excellent speaker. This is a great day for the United States and for Louisiana!"
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.”
