House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) was reelected as Speaker Friday.
Johnson was able to retain the leadership post despite GOP holdouts and with the help of support by President-elect Donald Trump, per Newsmax.
The road to retaining his Speaker role was not an easy one for Johnson on the first day of the 119th Congress.
In the beginning, some Republicans declined to vote as others chose another candidate.
Johnson prevailed as two remaining holdouts, Reps. Ralph Norman (R-S.C) and Keith Self (R-Texas), flipped their votes.
Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-P.a.) spoke about Johnson’s victory.
“The House’s first duty in the 119th Congress is electing a Speaker of the House – and I was proud to join President Donald J. Trump and my colleagues in support of Mike Johnson,” he said.
Johnson was nominated by the GOP Conference Chair Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.)
“No speaker’s perfect,” she said, “None of us will get exactly what we want.”
Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) was the Democrats’ choice for Speaker.
“House Democrats are united behind the most powerful legislative leader in this chamber,” Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) said of Jeffries.
Johnson posted on X after his victory.
“It’s an incredible honor to continue serving our great country as Speaker of the House,” he wrote.
“Now, let’s get to work,” he added.
