Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., initially voted against Mike Johnson for speaker of the House, but was persuaded to change his vote by President-elect Trump during a phone call while Trump was playing golf. Norman was one of three Republicans who initially refused to vote for Johnson to retain his role.
Trump had previously called Norman to discuss his vote, with Norman recalling that Trump was in the middle of a golf game during their first conversation. Norman told Trump that he had voted for Nikki Haley, and that he and his colleagues would support Johnson.
Trump also spoke with Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, on the phone in an effort to sway his vote. Self confirmed that he had spoken with Trump multiple times, and that their discussions were lively.
Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., connected Trump with Self and Norman by phone after they voted against Johnson. Despite the initial vote against Johnson, he ultimately won the speakership in the first round of voting.
Johnson’s win came after a tense day on the House floor, with House leaders not formally closing the vote while figuring out a path forward. GOP lawmakers were told to be on the House floor immediately in preparation for a second vote, but that vote did not occur. Johnson was instead sworn in as speaker Friday afternoon.
