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Mike Johnson is facing a new challenge as the Republican speaker with the smallest House majority in history. Despite maintaining control of the House, he will have to lead with an even smaller majority during a time when President-elect Donald J. Trump will rely on his support to pass important agenda items.
Written by Catie Edmondson
Live updates from the government building
The margin of victory for Speaker Mike Johnson has decreased even further.
On Tuesday evening, the last House race was decided when Representative John Duarte, a first-term Republican from California, accepted defeat to Democrat Adam Gray. This victory solidified a slim majority of 220-215 for the Republicans, which is even narrower than their current majority of 220-213.
The margins will decrease even more in January as Representatives Elise Stefanik from New York and Mike Waltz from Florida step down to join the Trump administration. Additionally, former Representative Matt Gaetz from Florida has announced 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 margins in history. If all Democrats oppose a bill and are present, Mr. Johnson cannot afford any Republicans to defect until the vacant seats 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 and assured reporters on Capitol Hill that they are experienced in working with a small majority and it is something they are used to.
He mentioned that there is nothing extra to give because all members are aware of this fact. They discussed this today and regularly emphasize the importance of working together towards a common goal.
He didn’t talk about how he achieved success in managing a small majority by working with Democrats to pass important bills that his own party didn’t back. This strategy may not work in the future when President-elect Donald J. Trump takes office.
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