The new speaker aims to complete the appropriations process in the next 23 days, which will test his ability to maintain the fragile unity of House Republicans.
Louisiana Republican Mike Johnson has been elected speaker of the House of Representatives, clearing the way for the chamber to reopen after 22 days of enforced idleness.
He was elected by a unanimous vote by the GOP conference—a stunning moment capping off weeks of tumultuous infighting that saw three other speaker nominees rise and fall.
Mr. Johnson was elected on the first ballot on Oct. 25, a welcome turn of events after a previous Republican nominee failed to win election and two others lacked the support to bring their bids to the House floor.
In a whirlwind of activity the previous day, Mr. Johnson was first defeated in a Republican nominating conference but elected less than 10 hours later after Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) withdrew his nomination.
The 51-year-old attorney and former radio host now faces the daunting task of keeping the fractious Republican majority united as it faces a series of near-immediate decisions.
Unanimity at Last
Mr. Johnson received a prolonged standing ovation from fellow Republicans upon his nomination by Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), an encouraging sign after the mixed reception given to the preceding candidates.
“Today is the day that House Republicans will humbly look in our hearts and elect, Mike Johnson as Speaker of the People’s House,” Ms. Stefanik said, a nod to the desire of many Republicans to put he divisions of the past three weeks behind them.
She described Mr. Johnson as a deeply principled man of faith who was strong, fair, and kind, and able to lead the House in facing the country’s significant problems. “The people are looking to this great chamber to save America, and save America we will,” Ms. Stefanik said. “Today is the day we get this done.”
Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) made a gesture of respect to Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) prior to nominating Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).
“I noticed a little bit more of a smile on your face today than we have in the past,” Mr. Aguilar said, acknowledging Mr. McHenry’s service in a difficult temporary role as it drew to a close. The remark evoked a sheepish smile from Mr. McHenry and a standing ovation for the speaker pro tempore on both sides of the aisle.
Mr. Aguilar went on to cast the speaker election as a partisan battle inspired by the former president. “This has been about one thing this has been about who can appease Donald Trump.”
Balloting began just before 1 p.m. with 429 members present, including 220 Republicans. The number of votes needed for election was 215.
Mr. Johnson was elected 220-209, unanimously supported by fellow Republicans.
