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Mike Johnson is facing a new challenge with the smallest House majority in history. Despite retaining control of the House, the Republican speaker will have a smaller majority to work with, particularly as President-elect Donald J. Trump seeks support to push through important agenda items.
Written by Catie Edmondson
Reporting live from the government building
The margin of victory for Speaker Mike Johnson has decreased.
The last House race was officially determined on Tuesday night when Representative John Duarte, a new member of the Republican party from California, accepted defeat to Adam Gray, a Democrat. This solidified a 220-215 majority for the Republicans, which is even narrower than their current margin 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 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 member present and supporting the bill to pass it. 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 accustomed to.
He stated that there is no excess to give. However, all members are aware of this. They discussed the importance of teamwork and unity, emphasizing the need for everyone to work together towards the same goal.
He did not acknowledge that a significant part of his ability to lead a small majority in the past year came from working with Democrats to pass important laws that his own party did not back. This strategy may not be feasible in the next Congress with President-elect Donald J. Trump being in power.
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