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Mike Johnson is facing a new challenge: leading the House with the smallest majority in history. Despite keeping control of the House, the Republican speaker will have to navigate an even smaller majority as President-elect Donald J. Trump looks to him for support in passing key agenda items.
Written by Catie Edmondson
Covering news from the seat
The margin of Speaker Mike Johnson’s lead has decreased.
Representative John Duarte, a newly elected Republican from California, conceded to Democrat Adam Gray on Tuesday night, solidifying a narrow majority of 220-215 for the Republicans in the House. This majority is even smaller than their current one, which stands at 220-213.
The margins will decrease even more in January 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 he will not be coming back.
After the special election, Republicans will only have a slight majority of 217-215 in the House, which is one of the smallest margins in history. If all Democrats oppose a measure, Mr. Johnson will need every Republican vote until vacant seats 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 reassured reporters on Capitol Hill that they are experienced in working with a small majority. He stated that it is something they are accustomed to.
He stated that there is no extra resources available. However, all members are aware of this. They discussed this today and regularly emphasize the importance of working together as a team towards a common goal.
He didn’t talk about how a lot of his success in leading a small majority in the past year came from working with Democrats to pass necessary laws that his own party didn’t want to support. This may not be an option for him in the future with President-elect Donald J. Trump as President.
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