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Mike Johnson is facing a new challenge as he leads the Republican party in the House of Representatives with the smallest majority in history. Despite maintaining control, Johnson will have to manage a reduced majority while working with President-elect Donald J. Trump to push through important agenda items.
Written by Catie Edmondson
Covering news from the government
The margin of Speaker Mike Johnson’s lead has decreased even further.
The final House race was decided on Tuesday evening when Representative John Duarte, a newly elected Republican from California, accepted defeat to Adam Gray, a Democrat. This solidified a narrow 220-215 majority for the Republicans, which is even smaller than their current majority of 220-213.
The margins will decrease more in January when 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 indicated that he will not be coming back.
The Republicans will soon have a slim majority of 217-215 in the House, which is one of the smallest margins in history. If all Democrats oppose a measure, Mr. Johnson will need every Republican present and voting in order to pass it. Even after filling vacancies, only three Republicans can go against their party without causing a bill to fail.
On Wednesday, Mr. Johnson appeared calm and unaffected by the possibility, stating to journalists at Capitol Hill that they are experienced in working with a small majority and it is something they are accustomed to.
He mentioned that they do not have any extra resources to spare, but all of their members are aware of this. They discussed this today, as they always do, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and everyone working together towards the same goal.
He achieved success in managing a small majority by working with Democrats to pass essential legislation that his own party didn’t back. However, this strategy may not be feasible in the upcoming Congress with President-elect Donald J. Trump leading the country.
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