Representative Mike Johnson (R-LA) has been elected House Speaker, securing 220 votes.
During the roll call, 429 members of the House of Representatives were present to cast their votes. 220 were Republicans and 209 were Democrats.
Upon winning the GOP nomination on October 24, Johnson asked his colleagues to join him in prayer.
Last night after being elected candidate for Speaker, Congressman Mike Johnson asked the Republican conference to bow their heads and join him in prayer.
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) October 25, 2023
We need more leaders like this in DC 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/Ja05Bbj6IS
Prior to the vote, Johnson tweeted an image of the American flag with the phrase, “In God We Trust.”
After the vote, Johnson shared, “It is the honor of a lifetime to have been elected the 56th Speaker of the House.”
“It has been an arduous few weeks, and a reminder that the House is as complicated and diverse as the people we represent,” the statement added. “The urgency of this moment demands bold, decisive action to restore trust, advance our legislative priorities, and demonstrate good governance. Our House Republican Conference is united, and eager to work.
“As Speaker, I will ensure the House delivers results and inspires change for the American people. We will restore trust in this body. We will advance a comprehensive conservative policy agenda, combat the harmful policies of the Biden Administration, and support our allies abroad. And we will restore sanity to a government desperately in need of it. Let’s get back to work.”
Johnson has voted against Ukraine aid, except for the initial aid bill, and exhibits a pro-life record and supporter of religious freedom.
He is also a known Trump ally, serving on Trump’s legal defense team during his impeachment hearings and voted against certifying Biden’s 2020 election.
While at a New York courthouse, Donald Trump said, “I think he’s gonna be a fantastic speaker.”
He noted he has not heard “one negative comment about him. Everybody likes him.”
