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Mike Johnson is facing a new challenge: the smallest majority in the history of the House. Despite maintaining control, the Republican speaker will lead an even smaller majority during a time when President-elect Donald J. Trump will rely on his assistance to push through important agenda items.
Written by Catie Edmondson
Reporting live from the Capitol
The margin of victory for Speaker Mike Johnson has decreased.
The last House race was decided on Tuesday evening when Representative John Duarte from California, a new Republican member, accepted defeat to Adam Gray, a Democrat, solidifying a 220-215 Republican majority in the House. This majority is even narrower than their current 220-213 majority.
The margins will decrease even more in January as Representatives Elise Stefanik and Mike Waltz of New York and Florida, respectively, step down to work in the Trump administration. Former Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida has also announced he will not be returning.
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 stick together in opposing a bill, Mr. Johnson will need every Republican vote until the 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 assured reporters on Capitol Hill that they are experienced in working with a narrow majority and it is something they are accustomed to.
He mentioned that they have no extra resources to share, but all 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 didn’t talk about how he achieved success in leading a slim majority by working with Democrats to pass important bills that his own party didn’t support. It’s unlikely he’ll have the same option in the future with Donald J. Trump as President in the next Congress.
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