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Mike Johnson is facing a new challenge as the Republican speaker of the House with the smallest majority in history. Despite maintaining control of the House, he will have to navigate an even smaller majority during a time when President-elect Donald J. Trump will rely on his 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 even further, making his majority even more precarious.
The last House race was decided on Tuesday when Representative John Duarte, a new Republican, conceded to Democrat Adam Gray. This solidified a 220-215 majority for Republicans, which is even closer 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 join the Trump administration. Additionally, former Representative Matt Gaetz from Florida has announced he will not be coming back.
After the special election in New Mexico, the Republican majority in the House will decrease to 217-215, which is the smallest majority in House history. If all Democrats are present and vote against a bill, Mr. Johnson will need all of his party members to support it until the vacant seats are filled in the spring. Even after the vacancies are filled, no more than three Republicans can vote against a bill and still expect it to pass.
On Wednesday, Mr. Johnson seemed unconcerned about the situation and assured reporters on Capitol Hill that they are experienced in working with a small majority, which is something they are used to.
He mentioned that there are no extra resources available, but all the members are aware of this. They discussed this today and regularly emphasize the importance of teamwork and everyone working together towards the same goal.
He achieved success in managing a small majority by working with Democrats to pass important laws that his own party did not support. This strategy may not work in the future when President-elect Donald J. Trump is in office.
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