Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA)’s allies are privately worrying that he is cruising towards a defeat when the House votes for speaker on Friday.
Johnson has the public backing of Donald Trump for a second term of leading the House of Representatives, but insiders in his camp fear it’s not enough, according to a report.
Politico reported that allies privately suggested that “he may not be able to win on the first few ballots.”
Johnson needs 218 votes to win, but about a dozen Republicans are still unsure whether Johnson should lead the next Congress.
Also Read: Exclusive: Multiple Republicans reveal plan to boot Mike Johnson as speaker
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) is the only congressman who has vowed to vote “no,” though several others have not committed their support. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) is backing Johnson after saying he was undecided.
Others who have opposed Johnson are considered “pretty soft holdouts,” two Republicans told Politico.
Johnson told Fox on Thursday he believes he’ll make it to the top spot.
“I’ve talked to every single one of those friends and colleagues over the holidays,” he said.
Many of the far-right members, like Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH), said Thursday that “Trump wants Speaker Johnson” — suggesting that opposing his is the same as opposing Trump.
Politico described it as the first big test for House Republicans and whether they’ll be able to make good on any promises made by Trump. Another drawn-out debate means a slower start to the Trump administration.
