Prom
Backed by
Mike Johnson is facing a new challenge as he now leads the House with the smallest majority in history. Despite keeping control of the House, the Republican speaker will be overseeing a smaller majority, which comes at a crucial time when President-elect Donald J. Trump will rely on his support to push through significant agenda items.
Written by Catie Edmondson
Covering news from the government
The margin of victory for Speaker Mike Johnson has decreased, making his majority even more narrow.
The final House race was decided on Tuesday evening when Representative John Duarte, a first-term Republican from California, accepted defeat to Adam Gray, a Democrat. This victory solidified a 220-215 majority for the Republicans, a slight increase from their current 220-213 majority.
In January, the margins will decrease even more as Representatives Elise Stefanik of New York and Mike Waltz of Florida step down to join the Trump administration. Additionally, former Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida has announced 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 are present and united against a proposal, Mr. Johnson cannot afford any Republicans to vote against it until vacancies are filled. Even after the vacancies are filled, only three Republicans can go against the party without risking the passage of a bill.
On Wednesday, Mr. Johnson appeared calm and unbothered about the situation, stating to the media on Capitol Hill that they are experienced in working with a small majority and consider it normal for them.
He further stated that there is no extra resources available. However, all members are aware of this situation. The importance of teamwork and unity was discussed today, and it is emphasized that everyone must work together towards a common goal.
He didn’t talk about how he achieved success in managing a small majority by working with Democrats to pass important bills that his own party didn’t support. This strategy may not work in the next Congress with Donald J. Trump as President.
We are experiencing difficulties in accessing the content of the article.
To use this website properly, make sure to activate JavaScript in
We appreciate your understanding as we confirm your access. If you are currently using Reader mode, please close it and sign in to your Times account, or consider subscribing to access all content from The Times.
We appreciate your understanding as we confirm access.
Are you currently a member? Please sign in.
Interested in accessing all of The Times’ content? Sign up for
Prom
Index of the website
Navigation to find information on
