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Mike Johnson is facing a new challenge with the smallest majority in history in the House of Representatives. As the Republican speaker, he has managed to retain control of the House, but he now faces the task of leading an even smaller majority. This comes at a crucial time when President-elect Donald J. Trump will rely on his support to push through major agenda items.
Written by Catie Edmondson
Covering news from the seat
The lead held by Speaker Mike Johnson, which was already slim, has now become even narrower.
The final House race was officially decided on Tuesday night when Representative John Duarte, a new Republican member, admitted defeat to Democrat Adam Gray. This outcome solidified a slim majority of 220-215 for the Republicans, which is even tighter than their current margin of 220-213.
The margins will decrease even more in January when Representatives Elise Stefanik from New York and Mike Waltz from Florida step down to work in the Trump administration. Former Representative Matt Gaetz from Florida has also announced that he will not be coming back.
After the special election, the Republicans will have a slim majority of 217-215 in the House, which is one of the smallest margins of control in history. If all Democrats are present and voting against a bill, Mr. Johnson will need every Republican to support it until the vacancies are filled. Even after the vacancies are filled, only three Republicans can vote against a bill without it failing.
On Wednesday, Mr. Johnson appeared unconcerned about the situation and assured reporters on Capitol Hill that they are familiar with managing a small majority, as it is something they are accustomed to.
He mentioned that they do not have any extra resources to offer. However, all their members are aware of this. They discussed this today and regularly emphasize that everyone needs to work together towards the same goal.
He didn’t talk about the fact that a lot of his success in managing a small majority in the past year has come from working with Democrats to pass important laws that his own party didn’t support. This strategy may not work in the next Congress, as President-elect Donald J. Trump will be in power.
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