The U.S. Congress descended into turmoil on its first day of the new session as right-wing Republican dissenters blocked Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson’s bid to return as Speaker of the House.
Despite backing from former President Donald Trump, Johnson fell short of the simple majority needed to secure the gavel in a dramatic first round of voting on Friday. The impasse has raised fears of prolonged gridlock in the Republican-controlled House, reminiscent of the chaotic leadership battles in recent years.
Mike Johnson, a staunch ally of Trump and a vocal advocate for conservative policies, was positioned as the frontrunner for the speakership.
Trump endorsed him early Friday with a social media post wishing him “good luck” and claiming near-unanimous support within the party. Yet, the divided Republican caucus once again demonstrated the limits of Trump’s influence over House lawmakers.
This marks the second embarrassment for Trump in recent months. In December, House Republicans defied his push to suspend the country’s borrowing limit, highlighting the challenges he faces in commanding loyalty within his party ahead of his looming presidential inauguration.
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Johnson’s leadership bid was undermined by fractures within the GOP. Conservatives expressed dissatisfaction with his bipartisan approach during the 2023–2025 session, accusing him of compromising too often with Democrats. Meanwhile, fiscal hawks criticized him for perceived leniency on addressing the national deficit.
Despite earning 216 votes to Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries’ 215, Johnson fell short of the 218 required to secure the speakership. Three Republican lawmakers withheld their support, further complicating his path to victory.
Notably, Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie openly opposed Johnson, arguing that he no longer held the status of the “least objectionable candidate,” which had previously worked in his favor.
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The inability to elect a speaker on the first ballot has significant consequences. Without a leader, the House remains paralyzed, unable to certify Trump’s presidential victory or conduct legislative business. The stakes are especially high as the country awaits the official certification of the 78-year-old Republican’s return to the White House.
If Johnson fails to secure the speakership in subsequent rounds, the party risks deeper divisions. Speculation has already begun about alternative candidates.
House Whip Steve Scalise, who has long harbored leadership ambitions, could emerge as a contender despite concerns about his health and resistance from hardline conservatives. Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, a favorite of the GOP’s right flank, might also be floated as a compromise candidate.
This leadership standoff is not unprecedented. The last time it took more than one round of voting to elect a speaker was in January 2023, a similarly contentious moment in Congressional history. Before that, such an impasse hadn’t occurred since 1923.
The current deadlock underscores the challenges of governing with a slim majority. The Republican advantage in the House stands at just 219–215, leaving little room for internal dissent. With no credible Republican alternative yet publicly floated, cloak-and-dagger negotiations between moderates and Democrats could lead to a surprise consensus candidate.
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