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Mike Johnson is facing a new challenge as he has become the Republican speaker with the smallest majority in the history of the House. Despite maintaining control, he will be leading an even smaller majority during a time when President-elect Donald J. Trump will rely on his support to push through significant agenda items.
Written by Catie Edmondson
Reporting live from the seat of
The margin of Speaker Mike Johnson’s majority has decreased.
The last House race was officially determined on Tuesday evening when Representative John Duarte of California, a first-term Republican, admitted defeat to Adam Gray, a Democrat. This victory solidified a narrow 220-215 majority for Republicans, which is even smaller than their current 220-213 majority.
The margins will decrease even more in January 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 that 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 stand together against a proposal, Mr. Johnson will need every Republican to vote in favor until the vacant seats are filled. Even after the vacancies are filled, only three Republicans can go against the party without risking the failure of a bill.
On Wednesday, Mr. Johnson appeared unconcerned about the possibility and reassured reporters on Capitol Hill that they are familiar with working with a small majority, as it is customary for them.
He mentioned that they have no extra resources to offer, but all members are aware of that. They discussed this today and regularly emphasize the importance of teamwork and everyone working towards the same goal.
He did not discuss how he achieved success in managing a small majority by working with Democrats to pass important laws that his own party did not support. However, this strategy may not be possible in the upcoming Congress with President-elect Donald J. Trump in power.
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