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Mike Johnson is facing a new challenge as he now has the smallest House majority in history. Despite maintaining control of the House as a Republican speaker, Johnson will have to lead with a smaller majority. This comes at a crucial time when President-elect Donald J. Trump will rely on Johnson’s support to push through key agenda items.
Written by Catie Edmondson
Reporting live from the Capitol building
The margin of victory for Speaker Mike Johnson has decreased even further, making his majority even smaller.
The last House race was decided on Tuesday night when Representative John Duarte of California, a newly elected Republican, accepted defeat against Democrat Adam Gray. This solidified a 220-215 majority for Republicans, which is even narrower than 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 work in the Trump administration. Additionally, former Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida has announced he will not be coming back.
The Republicans will have a slim majority of 217-215 in the House, which is one of the smallest margins in history. If all Democrats unite against a bill, Mr. Johnson cannot afford any defections until the vacant seats are filled. Even after the seats are filled, only three Republicans can vote against a bill without it failing.
On Wednesday, Mr. Johnson appeared unconcerned about the situation and reassured 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 they have no extra resources to give. All members are aware of this and they have discussed it today and regularly. It is emphasized that everyone needs to work together towards the same goal.
He didn’t talk about how a lot of his success in managing a small majority in the past year came from working with Democrats to pass important laws that his own party didn’t want to support. This might not be possible in the next Congress with Donald J. Trump as President.
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