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Mike Johnson is facing a new challenge: the smallest majority in House history. Despite remaining in control of the House as a Republican speaker, he will lead with a reduced majority during a time when President-elect Donald J. Trump will rely on his support to pass important agenda items.
Written by Catie Edmondson
Updating from the government building
The margin of victory for Speaker Mike Johnson has decreased even further, making his majority even more precarious.
The final House race was officially decided on Tuesday night when Representative John Duarte from California, a first-term Republican, accepted defeat to Adam Gray, a Democrat. This secured a 220-215 majority for Republicans, which is only slightly larger than their current 220-213 majority.
The margins will decrease even more in January as Representatives Elise Stefanik from New York and Mike Waltz from Florida leave their positions to work in the Trump administration. Additionally, former Representative Matt Gaetz from Florida has 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 the smallest majority in history. If all Democrats vote together against a bill, Mr. Johnson cannot afford any Republican defections until the vacancies are filled. Even after the vacancies are filled, only three Republicans can vote against a bill without it failing.
On Wednesday, Mr. Johnson appeared unconcerned about the possibility, stating to reporters in Capitol Hill that they are experienced in working with a small majority and it is something they are accustomed to.
He stated that they do not have any resources to spare, but all of their members are aware of this fact. They discussed this today, as they always do, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and everyone working together towards the same goal.
He succeeded in navigating a small majority over the past year by working with Democrats to pass important bills that his own party did not support. However, this strategy may not be as effective in the next Congress with President-elect Donald J. Trump in power.
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