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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 be overseeing a significantly reduced majority during a critical time when President-elect Donald J. Trump will rely on his support to push through key agenda items.
Written by Catie Edmondson
Updating from the government building.
The lead of Speaker Mike Johnson, which was already quite narrow, has now become even smaller.
The final House race results were announced on Tuesday night. Representative John Duarte, a freshman Republican from California, conceded to Democrat Adam Gray. This victory solidified a 220-215 majority for the Republicans, which is even narrower than 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. Additionally, former Representative Matt Gaetz from Florida has announced he will not be coming back.
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 are present and voting against a bill, Mr. Johnson cannot afford any Republicans to defect until the vacancies are filled. Even after the vacancies are filled, only three Republicans can vote against a bill without it failing to pass.
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 stated that there is no excess available resources. However, all members are aware of this. The importance of teamwork and cooperation was discussed today, emphasizing the need for everyone to work together towards the same goals.
He succeeded in managing a small majority over the past year by working with Democrats to pass important laws that his own party did not support. However, this strategy may not work in the next Congress with President-elect Donald J. Trump in power.
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