As a new Congress convenes, House Republicans are set to decide the fate of Mike Johnson, the Louisiana Republican currently holding the House speaker's gavel. Johnson faces a challenging reelection bid on Friday, requiring nearly unanimous Republican support to secure his position as second in line to the presidency.
President-elect Donald Trump recently endorsed Johnson for speaker, but some far-right Republicans remain skeptical of his leadership. Johnson, who assumed the speakership in October 2023, has faced criticism for his handling of key funding issues, potentially jeopardizing his reelection prospects.
House Speaker Election Process
The House must elect a speaker before organizing its proceedings, with the election taking place at the start of each new Congress. The House clerk oversees the election, with members vocally casting their votes from the floor. Any individual can be nominated for speaker, although tradition dictates that the nominee is typically a House member.
To win the speakership, a candidate must secure a majority of votes from present and voting House members. Historically, this threshold has been 218 votes, but candidates have won with fewer due to members voting 'present' instead of for a specific nominee.
Passing of the Gavel
Once a speaker candidate garners a majority, a bipartisan committee escorts them to the dais for the oath of office. The outgoing speaker typically joins the successor at the chair to pass the gavel, symbolizing the peaceful transfer of power.
Should Johnson fail to secure a majority on the first ballot, additional rounds of voting may be necessary, reminiscent of the 15-ballot struggle Kevin McCarthy faced before becoming the 55th speaker in January 2023.
As the House prepares for this critical decision, the outcome of Johnson's reelection bid remains uncertain, with the potential for a protracted and contentious election process.
