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Mike Johnson is facing a new challenge as he now has the smallest House majority in history as the Republican speaker. Although he managed to retain control of the House, he will have to navigate an even smaller majority during a time when President-elect Donald J. Trump will rely on him to push forward important agenda items.
Written by Catie Edmondson.
Covering news from the Capitol
The margin of victory for Speaker Mike Johnson has decreased, making his majority even more narrow.
The last House race was concluded on Tuesday night when Representative John Duarte, a first-term Republican from California, acknowledged defeat to Democrat Adam Gray. This solidified a 220-215 majority for the Republicans, which is even narrower than their current 220-213 majority.
In January, the margins will decrease even more 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 he will not be coming back.
The Republican majority in the House will decrease to 217-215, which is one of the smallest controlling margins in history. If all Democrats are present and united against a bill, Mr. Johnson will need every Republican vote until vacant seats are filled. Even after the vacancies are filled, only three Republicans can oppose a bill without it failing.
Mr. Johnson appeared calm and unaffected by the situation on Wednesday, stating to the press on Capitol Hill that they are experienced in working with a small majority and it is something they are accustomed to.
He stated that they do not have any extra resources to spare, but all members are aware of this. They discussed this today and regularly emphasize that everyone must work together towards the same goal.
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 next Congress with President-elect Donald J. Trump in office.
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