[Speaker Mike Johnson will face a major challenge in the new Congress as the narrowest House majority in nearly 100 years. Republicans will control the House, Senate, and White House, but a thin margin imperils President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda. The margin is set to shrink even further, with GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz’s retirement and two other lawmakers joining the Trump administration.
The House will be divided 219-215, with GOP Rep. Mike Waltz of Florida resigning to become Trump’s national security adviser and GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York becoming the US ambassador to the United Nations. The majority is at risk of being imperiled by a single defection, making it difficult to pass legislation.
Johnson will face an early leadership test when the House votes to elect a speaker, with the election set to take place on the first day the new Congress convenes. To be elected, a candidate must win a majority of members who vote. Johnson can only afford to lose a single Republican vote to retain the speakership if every lawmaker votes and all Democrats vote against him.
At least one Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, has already announced he will not vote for Johnson. Trump has endorsed Johnson for the speakership, but Massie’s decision is not affected by the endorsement. Other Republicans remain undecided about their vote, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the speaker’s election.
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