Washington — The House is voting on Rep. Mike Johnson’s bid to become the next speaker of the House on Wednesday as the party hopes to finally unite behind a candidate and fill a vacancy that has been open for three weeks.
No significant opposition has emerged for Johnson’s candidacy from his fellow Republicans, and lawmakers are hopeful that they can elect him in a single round of voting. With four absences and two vacancies, Johnson likely needs 215 votes to secure a majority and become speaker.
Johnson won his party’s nomination late Tuesday night, hours after Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota became the third Republican nominee to fail since former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was removed from office in early October. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise threw his support behind Johnson late Tuesday.
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After prevailing over seven other candidates in a five-round vote, Emmer couldn’t overcome opposition from conservatives, who cited his votes to certify the 2020 presidential election and to protect same-sex marriage among the reasons they would not support him.
Former President Donald Trump voiced strong opposition to Emmer shortly after he won the nomination, accusing him of being a “Globalist RINO” and claiming Emmer was “out of touch with Republican voters.”
When asked by reporters on Tuesday evening whether Trump’s opposition had influenced his withdrawal, Emmer replied, “I made my decision based on my relationship with the conference.”
Emmer’s unsuccessful campaign — following those of Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio and Scalise — left Republicans searching for a candidate who could gain a majority.
“I actually think that we may be on a merry-go-round,” said Rep. Max Miller of Ohio to reporters on Tuesday night after Emmer dropped out. “Who knows, we might end up back at Speaker McCarthy. He still has the most votes of anyone in that room.” In the final runoff between Johnson and Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida, McCarthy, who was not an official candidate, received more votes than Donalds.
Without a speaker, the House has been in a state of paralysis as the deadline to avoid a government shutdown approaches. It is also hindering any consideration of aid to Israel or Ukraine.
Rep. Patrick McHenry, who is serving as the temporary speaker, insists that his role is limited to overseeing the election of a new speaker and that he is unable to advance legislation. Attempts to expand his power have been unsuccessful.
