After three consecutive candidates and four failed voting attempts, along with over twenty days of legislative paralysis, Republican candidate Mike Johnson was elected today, Wednesday, as the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. He secured the nomination from his party in a closed ballot on Tuesday evening, gathering 128 votes with minimal opposition. Republicans expressed cautious optimism about Johnson's victory, as several who had reservations about supporting him in the secret vote pledged to vote in favor when his name was formally presented in the House, a rare initiative indicating that the majority of members are open to his official nomination, unlike previous candidates who faced stiff opposition that pushed them out of the race.
Who is Mike Johnson?
Johnson differs from his predecessors in a crucial aspect: his support for Trump. The 51-year-old representative from Louisiana is a staunch defender of the former president. This support was evident during Trump's impeachment proceedings in Congress and in Johnson's challenge to certifying the election results in the legislature. The New York Times described Johnson as "the key architect of the objections to the electoral college vote," noting that he holds a law degree from Louisiana State University and practiced law for over twenty years before arriving in Congress in 2017. Johnson, who previously held the position of Vice Chairman of the House Republican Conference, is among the party's conservatives, having served as the chairman of the Republican Study Committee, which represents the largest conservative bloc in Congress. He also serves today on the Judiciary Committee, the Armed Services Committee, and the Federal Government’s Politicalization Committee, established by Republicans to investigate the practices of President Joe Biden.
Support for Israel
Johnson began his term with an inaugural speech affirming his support for Israel.
