LOUISIANA, USA — Rep. Mike Johnson was elected as House Speaker on Wednesday. Officials congratulated Johnson's election as the 56th Speaker of the House. They say his win is a step towards building and moving Louisiana forward.
Here's what they had to say.
Newly elected Governor and fellow Republican Jeff Landry was one of several Louisiana politicians to congratulate Johnson publicly.
"Congratulations, Speaker Mike Johnson," Landry tweeted on X, formerly known as 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. "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.”
U.S. Senator John Kennedy released a statement noting Johnson as a good and courageous friend.
“Congratulations to my good friend Mike Johnson on becoming the Speaker of the House. My House colleagues have selected an outstanding leader to navigate an unprecedented time. Mike isn’t just a consistent conservative—he’s a courageous one. He loves God, his family, and his country more than anything, and he has devoted his life to serving them faithfully. American families share Mike’s Louisiana values, and they deserve his confident, principled leadership.”
The National Right to Life sent congratulations to Johnson in a statement.
“Speaker Johnson is committed to the right to life, and he will make the right to life and protecting women and their unborn children a priority in Congress," said Carol Tobias, president of the National Right to Life.
The organization's executive director, Ben Clapper, said, "Speaker Johnson has been a strong ally of the pro-life movement and Louisiana Right to Life. Speaker Johnson will be a proudly pro-life Speaker of the House who will protect babies and help moms."
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