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Mike Johnson is facing a new challenge with the smallest House majority in history. Despite retaining control of the House as the Republican speaker, he will now lead an even slimmer majority. This comes at a crucial time when President-elect Donald J. Trump will rely on his support to push through key agenda items.
Written by Catie Edmondson
Reporting live from the government building
The margin of victory for Speaker Mike Johnson has decreased.
The last House race was officially decided on Tuesday evening when Representative John Duarte of California, a newly elected Republican, accepted defeat to Democrat Adam Gray. This solidified a slim majority of 220-215 for the Republicans, which is even narrower than their current majority of 220-213.
In January, the margins will decrease even more as Representatives Elise Stefanik of New York and Mike Waltz of Florida step down to work in the Trump administration. Additionally, former Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida has announced he will not be coming back.
With the resignation of a Republican representative, the party’s majority in the House will decrease to 217-215, which is one of the smallest margins of control in House history. If all Democrats are present and unified in their opposition to a bill, Mr. Johnson will not be able to have any Republicans defect until the vacancies are filled. Even after the vacancies are filled, only three Republicans can oppose a bill without it failing to pass.
On Wednesday, Mr. Johnson seemed unbothered by the idea and assured reporters on Capitol Hill that they are familiar with working with a small majority and it is something they are used to.
He mentioned that they don’t have anything extra to give, but all of their members are aware of that. They discussed this today, as they always do, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and everyone working towards the same goal.
He didn’t talk about how he achieved success in working with a small majority by teaming up with Democrats to pass important laws that his own party didn’t back. This strategy may not work in the future with President-elect Donald J. Trump in power.
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