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Mike Johnson is facing a new challenge: overseeing the smallest House majority in history as the Republican speaker. Despite maintaining control of the House, he will have to navigate a smaller majority while President-elect Donald J. Trump seeks his assistance in pushing through key agenda items.
Written by Catie Edmondson
Reporting live from the seat of
The margin of Speaker Mike Johnson’s majority has decreased.
The last House race was decided on Tuesday evening when Representative John Duarte, a new member of the Republican party from California, accepted defeat to Democrat Adam Gray. This win solidified a 220-215 majority for the Republicans, which is even narrower than their current 220-213 margin.
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 that he will not be coming back.
With the resignation of a Republican congressman, the Republican party in the House will have a slim majority of 217-215, which is one of the narrowest margins in House history. If all Democrats are present and vote against a bill, Mr. Johnson will need every Republican to support it in order for it to pass. This means that even after vacancies are filled, only a maximum of three Republicans can vote against a bill without it failing.
On Wednesday, Mr. Johnson appeared calm and unconcerned about the idea, stating to journalists at Capitol Hill that his team is experienced in working with a small majority and it is something they are accustomed to.
He stated that there is no extra resources available. However, all members are aware of this. The topic was discussed today, as it is regularly, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and unity towards a common goal.
He didn’t say that a big part of his success in leading a small majority in the past year involved working with Democrats to pass important laws that his own party didn’t back. This strategy may not work in the future when President-elect Donald J. Trump is in power.
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