The 119th Congress convenes for the first time Friday with a critical vote for House Speaker on the line, as Mike Johnson seeks to retain his role with a slim Republican majority.
The House elects a speaker at the start of each new session, with the candidate needing a majority of votes from present members. The first vote for speaker is crucial as no business can proceed without this selection.
With the support of President-elect Donald Trump, Johnson is working to retain the position, which he's held since 2023, in the face of opposition within his own party. If Johnson falls short, multiple rounds of voting may be required to determine the next speaker.
"I expect we get it done on the first round," Johnson told reporters about securing the gavel during Friday's first session of the 119th Congress.
The election outcome is uncertain due to the delicate balance of votes in the House. With a narrow majority, 219-215, Johnson needs almost every Republican vote to secure his re-election.
Trump has backed Johnson, emphasizing the need for a unified government to pass his 100-day agenda. While the endorsement may help, far-right Republicans have expressed frustration with Johnson's leadership and want a new speaker. Johnson's leadership has been criticized for seeking Democratic support on critical legislation, and some Republicans are demanding fiscal restraints in exchange for their support.
Johnson's potential failure could disrupt the certification of Trump's 2024 election victory. The speaker race needs to be resolved before the joint session of Congress to certify the presidential election results, which is set to take place on Monday, Jan. 6. Once the speaker is chosen, the rest of the House will be sworn in, and business can commence.
While the House faces chaos if a prolonged speakership battle ensues, experts say Johnson is favored to retain his position due to the upcoming certification of Trump's election victory.
In a social media post Friday morning, the president-elect wished Johnson luck and said that a "win for Mike today will be a big win for the Republican Party."
The high-stakes vote for the House speaker highlights the power dynamics within the Republican Party as it prepares to take control of Congress. The outcome of the speaker's election will set the tone for the new Congress and impact Trump's agenda.
Confirmation hearings for Trump's Cabinet nominees are expected to start in mid-January.