Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who previously criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson, has announced that she will support Johnson's bid to retain the speakership. Last year, Greene had strongly condemned Johnson, labeling him as 'the Uniparty Speaker' and accusing him of favoring Democrats over conservatives. However, in a recent video message, Greene emphasized the importance of unity within the GOP and expressed her intention to vote for Johnson.
On the other hand, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who had backed the effort to remove Johnson from the speakership in the past, has declared that he will not support Johnson's candidacy. Massie made a firm statement during an interview, asserting his refusal to vote for Johnson.
Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Johnson for the position, describing him as a dedicated and principled individual who will lead the party to success. Trump's endorsement adds a significant layer of support to Johnson's campaign.
Despite the endorsements, Johnson's path to victory remains uncertain. The voting process requires a candidate to secure a majority of all Members voting for a candidate by name. This means that Johnson must receive at least 218 votes to win the speakership.
Johnson expressed confidence in his chances of winning in the initial round of voting and remains optimistic about the outcome. However, the possibility of a few Republicans withholding their support could potentially derail Johnson's bid for the speakership.
The upcoming vote for the speakership is poised to be a critical moment for the GOP, with the outcome likely to shape the party's direction and leadership moving forward. The decision of whether Johnson will retain the gavel rests on the votes of his fellow Republicans and the dynamics within the party.
