Republicans overwhelmingly backed Rep. Mike Johnson (Louisiana)'s bid for House Speaker on Wednesday, ending a chaotic 22-day leadership campaign.
Johnson received 220 votes, while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (Democrat from New York) received 209 votes.
In three weeks, Johnson was the fourth Republican nominee for Speaker of the House, with previous hopefuls failing to win the support of the party's extreme wing. But last night a sufficient majority was gathered.
On Tuesday morning, Johnson got Donald Trump open recommendation, Whose personality strongly suggested to the party faction. Previously, Johnson voted against impeaching Trump both times and was a strong supporter of the 2020 election fraud theory.
Johnson (51 years old) has been Vice Chairman of the Republican Party in the House of Representatives since 2021, and is the youngest leader to hold this position. He previously chaired the Republican Research Committee, the largest conservative caucus in the House of Representatives.
In the House's seven votes so far on aid to Ukraine, Johnson has voted against Ukraine six times, saying he believes sending aid to Kiev is a “terrible mistake.”
House Republicans are now hoping a new leader can circumvent a series of legislative and political landmines in the coming weeks and months.
On the other hand, the Democrats consider Johnson to be an extremist and ideologically excessive figure, and they are expected to do everything to obstruct the agreements that will be reached with him.
