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Mike Johnson is facing a new challenge as the Republican speaker of the House, as he now has the smallest majority in history. Despite maintaining control of the House, Johnson will have to lead with a smaller margin at a crucial time when President-elect Donald J. Trump will rely on his support to push through important policy objectives.
Written by Catie Edmondson
Updating from the legislative headquarters.
The margin of victory for Speaker Mike Johnson has decreased further, making his majority even more fragile.
The final House race was decided on Tuesday night when Representative John Duarte of California, a new Republican, admitted defeat to Democrat Adam Gray. This victory solidified the Republican majority in the House at 220-215, with a smaller margin compared to their current 220-213 majority.
In January, the margins will decrease even more as Representatives Elise Stefanik from New York and Mike Waltz from Florida step down to work in the Trump administration. Former Representative Matt Gaetz from Florida has also announced that he will not be coming back.
After the special election, Republicans will have a slim majority of 217-215 in the House, which is one of the smallest in history. If all Democrats stand together against a bill, Mr. Johnson can’t afford any Republicans voting against it until the vacant seats are filled. Even then, only three Republicans can vote against a bill without it failing.
On Wednesday, Mr. Johnson appeared calm when discussing the possibility, stating to reporters on Capitol Hill that they are experienced in working with a small majority and it is something they are accustomed to.
He stated that there is no extra resources available. The members are aware of this and it is constantly emphasized that everyone needs to work together towards the same goal.
He didn’t say that a big part of his success in leading a small majority in the past year came from working with Democrats to pass important laws that his own party didn’t support. This strategy may not work as well in the future, as President-elect Donald J. Trump will be in office.
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