A north Louisiana congressman is making good on a promise.
Rep. Mike Johnson (R-Benton) has officially entered the race to become the next speaker of the House. Johnson formally announced his bid on Saturday on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, tweeting that he would seek the Republican party's nomination for the post. That announcement came on Saturday, one day Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) withdrew his name from consideration after the House voted for a third time to reject his bid to become speaker. Last week, Johnson said he would enter the race if Jordan withdrew from the race.
That tweet said, simply, "I'm in!" Johnson also attached photos of his letter to the Republican caucus, explaining why he's only now jumping into the race.
"Although I feel a great responsibility for our cause and I have a clear vision and plan for how to lead us through these unprecedented challenges--I demurred until now out of admiration and respect for our rules, the process, and the good men involved," Johnson wrote. "(Former House Speaker) Kevin (McCarthy), (Majority Leader) Steve (Scalise), Jim (Jordan), and (Georgia Rep.) Austin (Scott) have all been faithful friends and brothers to me, and I believe we should give honor where honor is due. Each of the new candidates deserve the same."
Rep. Scott briefly entered the speaker's race last week before deferring to Jordan. On Saturday, Scott announced that he would compete with Johnson for the speakership.
Johnson's letter also includes his platform, which includes "total transparency" in the House's business, "effectively messaging" the GOP's agenda to Americans, and a call to "develop and grown (the Republican) majority."
Johnson referred to those platform planks as "key priorities" the GOP members of the House need to prioritize if they want to not only keep the House but also increase the Republican majority in it.
"It is incumbent upon us now to decide upon a consensus candidate who can serve as a trusted caretaker and a good steward of the gavel," Johnson wrote. "We must govern well and expand our majority next year."
