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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 have to navigate a smaller majority while President-elect Donald J. Trump seeks his support to push through key agenda items.
Written by Catie Edmondson
Providing updates from the seat
The margin of Speaker Mike Johnson’s victory has decreased, making his majority even more precarious.
The final House race was officially decided on Tuesday night when Representative John Duarte, a new member of the Republican party from California, accepted defeat to Democrat Adam Gray. This solidified a narrow 220-215 majority for the Republicans, which is only slightly larger than their current 220-213 majority.
In January, the margins will decrease even more 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 indicated that he will not be coming back.
After this election, Republicans will have a slim majority of 217-215 in the House of Representatives, which is one of the smallest margins in history. If all Democrats stick together and oppose a proposal, Mr. Johnson cannot afford any of his party members to vote against it until the vacant seats are filled. Even after that, only three Republicans can go against the party line before a bill fails to pass.
Mr. Johnson appeared calm and unconcerned on Wednesday when he spoke to reporters 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 there is no extra resources available. However, all members are aware of this and it was discussed today, as it is always emphasized, that teamwork is essential and everyone needs to work together towards the same goal.
He didn’t talk about how he achieved success in managing a small majority by working with Democrats to pass important laws that his own party wouldn’t support. This strategy may not work in the next Congress with President-elect Donald J. Trump in power.
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