At Least Six Republicans Skip Vote for Speaker, Casting Doubt on Mike Johnson’s Chances
At least six Republican members of the House of Representatives skipped their turn to vote for speaker on the first ballot, leaving the chamber in suspense about whether Mike Johnson can secure the necessary votes. The members who skipped their turn were GOP Reps. Andy Biggs, Andrew Clyde, Michael Cloud, Paul Gosar, Andy Harris, and Chip Roy.
As the vote began, GOP Rep. Tim Burchett predicted that the speaker contest would “go multiple rounds” but did not reveal how he planned to vote. Burchett had declined to share his position ahead of the vote, saying he was truly undecided and would “pray” on the decision.
The scenes in the chamber were tense, with Biggs standing next to Clyde and Harris, two other Freedom Caucus members who have not publicly committed to Johnson. Biggs continued to stand, not moving or speaking, as his name was called. Harris intentionally chose not to vote, standing silent in his spot at the back of the chamber.
Gosar, who was standing in the back of the chamber near Biggs and Harris, did not intentionally skip his turn, but it is unclear why he did not vote. Burchett, who helped oust former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, stood in the aisle, speaking to his close friend GOP Rep. Nancy Mace, as the roll call began. He then voted for Johnson.
Other members who voted for Johnson included GOP Rep. Lauren Boebert, who said “Don’t let us down Mr. Speaker” as she cast her vote, and GOP Rep. Eric Burlison, who also voted for Johnson on the first ballot.
CNN’s Manu Raju described the decision of the members who skipped their turn as “strategic,” saying they will have another chance to vote at the end of the process. The question now is whether they will vote yes or continue to hold out.