Mike Johnson Makes Predication Before House Speaker Vote

With the House poised to vote on the speakership on Friday, the man running to keep that leadership role voiced confidence in the face of uncertainty.

“We’re going to get this done,” Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) predicted during a Fox News appearance on Thursday. Johnson also said he is “humbled and honored” to have President-elect Donald Trump‘s endorsement and the support of other GOP leaders.

One needs 218 votes to win the speaker’s gavel if all 434 members back someone by name.

Johnson said the House GOP has “the smallest margin in U.S. history” — a stat exacerbated by Matt Gaetz (R-FL) resigning in November.

“We’ll have a margin of probably two votes tomorrow during that, so can only afford to lose one or two, but I think we’ll get it done,” he added.

Democrats will likely rally behind Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY). Some Republicans have withheld support after yet another clash over government spending at the end of last year.

At least one Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), outright rejected Johnson’s bid. Others might be swayed by concessions. Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN), for instance, demanded the next speaker commit publicly to “authorizations,” “reconciliation offset policies,” and spending audits.

Johnson said he talked to “every single one” of his “friends and colleagues” over the holidays and noted that “process reforms” are up for discussion.

“I’ve encouraged all of them, and I think the reason they’re all going to vote ‘yes’ is this: we’re shifting into a brand-new paradigm,” Johnson said. He stressed that “unified government” under GOP control is coming, a “totally different situation than we dealt with” during his roughly 14 months as speaker.

After the House vote for speaker, a process that could stretch into multiple ballots like it in 2023, the chamber is expected to consider a 36-page rules package that features a provision requiring nine majority party members to initiate a privileged “motion to vacate” the speaker — up from a threshold of one — and other sections that will govern lawmakers for the new term.

Johnson argued that the House needed to move quickly while alluding to the fact that a protracted speakership fight could disrupt Trump’s return to the White House.

“We have many important things pressing on us right now, so there’s no time to waste,” the speaker said. “We have to stay unified. The American people gave us a mandate.”