Louisiana GOP Rep. Johnson announces bid for House speaker

House Republican Vice Chair Mike Johnson, R-La., announced his candidacy for House speaker in a letter on Saturday addressed to his colleagues. 

“I have been humbled to have so many Members from across our Conference reach out to encourage me to seek the nomination for Speaker,” Johnson wrote in a letter obtained by The Hill. “Until yesterday, I had never contacted one person about this, and I have never before aspired to the office. However, after much prayer and deliberation, I am stepping forward now.”

Others who have declared their candidacies include House Majority Whip Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., Republican Study Committee Chairman Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., and Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Tx.

The House has been without a speaker for more than two weeks since the ousting of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., by eight Republicans.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, lost three bids for speaker and is no longer the GOP speaker nominee.

In Johnson's letter, addressed to his colleagues, he expressed the importance of tackling the national debt and being strong on foreign policy. 

“As Israel is viciously attacked, Russia, China and our other adversaries are becoming more emboldened," Johnson wrote. "Our national debt has surpassed $33.5 trillion, our southern border is overrun, violent crime is rampant, and the rising cost of living is crushing our constituents."

“The complex role of Speaker at this time requires a team player and a bridge-builder with endless energy and a unique mix of skills and experiences,” he added. “My extensive background in law, policy, strategic analysis, messaging, managing, networking, and building coalitions happens to have served as an uncommon preparation for the extraordinary demands of this day.”