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Mike Johnson is facing a new challenge as the Speaker of the House, with the smallest majority in history. Despite holding onto control of the House, the Republican speaker will have a tougher time passing major agenda items for President-elect Donald J. Trump with a smaller majority.
Written by Catie Edmondson
Covering news from the government
The margin of Speaker Mike Johnson’s majority has decreased.
On Tuesday night, the last House race was officially determined when Representative John Duarte of California, a newly elected Republican, accepted defeat to Adam Gray, a Democrat. This solidified a 220-215 majority for Republicans, which is even tighter than their current margin of 220-213.
In January, the margins will decrease even more 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 announced that he will not be coming back.
After the special election, Republicans will have a slim majority of 217-215 in the House of Representatives, which is historically very close. If all Democrats oppose a bill, Mr. Johnson cannot afford any Republicans to defect until vacancies are filled. Even after vacancies are filled, only three Republicans can break ranks before a bill fails.
On Wednesday, Mr. Johnson appeared unconcerned about the situation and assured reporters at Capitol Hill that they have experience dealing with a small majority and it is something they are accustomed to.
He stated that they have no extra resources to share. However, all members are aware of this. They discussed this today, as they often do, emphasizing the importance of working together as a team and moving forward in unity.
He didn’t talk about how he achieved success in managing a small majority by working with Democrats to pass important legislation that his own party wouldn’t support. This strategy may not work in the future when President-elect Donald J. Trump is in office.
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