Johnson wins Speakership after two holdouts flip

The House of Representatives on Friday convened for its first day of the 119th Congress.

Published: January 3, 2025 2:05pm

Updated: January 3, 2025 2:37pm

Mike Johnson has won the first round of voting for Speaker after two holdouts flipped to back him.

Johnson initially took 216 votes to Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries's 215. Three other lawmakers cast votes for someone else and none voted present.

Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., initially voted for Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, but flipped his vote to Johnson. Rep. Keith Self, R-Pa., cast his vote for Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla, but also flipped.

Johnson ended with 218 votes, the bare minimum.

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., cast a vote for Republican Whip Tom Emmer. 

The House of Representatives on Friday convened for its first day of the 119th Congress.

The Facts Inside Our Reporter's Notebook

Unlock unlimited access

  • No Ads Within Stories
  • No Autoplay Videos
  • VIP access to exclusive Just the News newsmaker events hosted by John Solomon and his team.
  • Support the investigative reporting and honest news presentation you've come to enjoy from Just the News.
  • Just the News Spotlight

    Support Just the News