Speaker Johnson says 'didn't know' about fellow House GOPer Buck resigning, narrowing his majority

House Speaker Mike Johnson said that he didn't know beforehand Tuesday that fellow Republican Rep. Ken Buck had resigned.

When Johnson was asked about Buck's resignation and whether knew when it was coming, he responded, "I didn't know," according to Politico.

The Louisiana Republican also said he was surprised by the announcement.

Buck's office reportedly said the congressman called Johnson to let him know, but Johnson didn't answer so he left him a voicemail. 

Buck, of Colorado, had previously announced that he was not seeking 2024 reelection.

He announced his retirement on X, in a two-sentence statement tin which he in part said: “I look forward to staying involved in our political process as well as spending more time in Colorado and with my family.”

The GOP-controlled House now has 218 members, compared to 213 for Democrats, narrowing the conference's majority and making it more difficult for Johnson to pass legislation without the help of Democrats. 

If all members are present, the GOP majority can lose only two members on any measure that comes down to a party-line vote.