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The latest challenge for Mike Johnson is having the smallest House majority in history. As the Republican speaker, he maintained control of the House, but now faces a smaller majority. This comes at a crucial time when President-elect Donald J. Trump will rely on his support to push through important agenda items.
Written by Catie Edmondson
Corresponding from the government
The margin of victory for Speaker Mike Johnson has decreased even further, making his majority even smaller.
The final House race was decided on Tuesday night when Representative John Duarte, a new member of the Republican party from California, accepted defeat to Democrat Adam Gray. This victory gave the Republicans a majority of 220-215 in the House, which is only 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 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, Republicans will have a slim 217-215 majority in the House, matching the smallest controlling margin in its history. If all Democrats oppose 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 experienced in working with a small majority and it is something they are used to.
He stated that there is no extra resources available. However, all members are aware of this. They discussed this today, as they always do, emphasizing the importance of working together as a team towards a common goal.
He didn’t talk about how he achieved success in leading a small majority in the past year by working with Democrats to pass important bills that his own party didn’t support. This strategy may not work in the future when President-elect Donald J. Trump is in office.
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