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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 lead a smaller majority during a crucial time when President-elect Donald J. Trump will rely on his support to push through key agenda items.
Written by Catie Edmondson
Providing coverage from the seat
The margin of Speaker Mike Johnson’s lead has decreased.
The last House race was decided on Tuesday when Representative John Duarte, a first-term Republican from California, accepted defeat to Democrat Adam Gray. This solidified a narrow majority of 220-215 for the Republicans in the House, which is just slightly larger than their current majority of 220-213.
In January, the margins will decrease even more as Representatives Elise Stefanik from New York and Mike Waltz from Florida step down to join the Trump administration. Additionally, former Representative Matt Gaetz from Florida has announced he will not be coming back.
The Republican party will have a slim majority of 217-215 in the House, which is one of the closest margins in history. If all Democrats come together to oppose a bill, Mr. Johnson cannot afford any of his party members to defect until vacancies are filled. Even after vacancies are filled, only three Republicans can go against the party without risking the passage of a bill.
Mr. Johnson appeared calm and unconcerned about the situation on Wednesday when speaking to the press on Capitol Hill. He mentioned that they are experienced in working with a small majority and it is something they are used to.
He mentioned that they have no extra resources to give, but all members are aware of this. They discussed this today and regularly emphasize the importance of working together as a team in the same direction.
He did not talk about how he achieved success in managing a small majority by working with Democrats to pass important bills that his own party did not support. This strategy may not be possible in the future when President-elect Donald J. Trump is in office.
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