Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has officially secured another term as speaker following a narrow vote.

Some shit you should know before you read: At the start of every new Congress, the House of Representatives must select a Speaker through a roll-call vote, requiring a majority of votes cast for candidates by the members present. With 219 Republicans, 215 Democrats, and one vacancy in the current House, a candidate needs at least 218 votes to secure the speakership if all members vote for a specific nominee.

What’s going on: On Capitol Hill today, House Speaker Mike Johnson secured reelection in a single-ballot vote, earning the 218 votes necessary to clinch the speakership. The vote count was 218-215-1, with all but one Republican ultimately rallying behind Johnson. Early holdouts included Representatives Ralph Norman of South Carolina, Keith Self of Texas, and Thomas Massie of Kentucky, with Massie casting his vote for GOP Whip Tom Emmer. Norman and Self initially supported other candidates but changed their votes after last-minute negotiations and direct appeals, reportedly influenced by President-elect Donald Trump, who played a pivotal role in unifying the Republican caucus through endorsements and private conversations with lawmakers.

Despite Johnson’s victory, he faced criticism from some within his party. Conservatives, including Massie, expressed concerns over Johnson’s past decisions on spending bills, accusing him of compromising too frequently with Democrats and failing to uphold conservative fiscal priorities. A memo circulated among Republicans before the vote detailed dissatisfaction with his leadership, citing issues such as his reliance on bipartisan support to pass legislation and perceived failures to advance Trump’s agenda.

Trump reacts: In a statement, President-Elect Trump said, “Congratulations to Speaker Mike Johnson for receiving an unprecedented Vote of Confidence in Congress. Mike will be a Great Speaker, and our Country will be the beneficiary. The People of America have waited four years for Common Sense, Strength, and Leadership. They’ll get it now, and America will be greater than ever before!”