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Mike Johnson is facing a new challenge: leading the House with the smallest majority in history. Despite maintaining control, the Republican speaker will have to navigate a smaller majority while President-elect Donald J. Trump seeks assistance in advancing his agenda.
Written by Catie Edmondson
Reporting from the government building.
The margin of Speaker Mike Johnson’s majority has decreased even further.
The last House race was finalized on Tuesday night when Representative John Duarte, a new Republican, admitted defeat to Democrat Adam Gray. This solidified a 220-215 majority for Republicans, with a slighter margin than they currently hold at 220-213.
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. Additionally, former Representative Matt Gaetz from Florida has announced he will not be coming back.
After this change, the Republicans will have a slim majority of 217-215 in the House, which is one of the smallest margins in history. If all Democrats oppose a bill, Mr. Johnson cannot afford to have any Republicans defect until vacancies are filled. Even after the vacancies are filled, only three Republicans can go against the party without causing a bill to fail.
On Wednesday, Mr. Johnson appeared unconcerned about the situation, stating to journalists on Capitol Hill that they are experienced in working with a small majority and it is something they are used to.
He mentioned that they are all fully committed and have no extra resources available. The team discussed the importance of working together towards a common goal and emphasized the need for everyone to contribute their efforts equally.
He succeeded in leading a small majority by working with Democrats to pass important laws that his own party didn’t support. However, this strategy may not work in the future with President-elect Donald J. Trump in power.
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