Mike Johnson's moment of truth
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As the 119th Congress opens at noon Friday, allies of House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) expect him to keep the gavel when today's speaker election is said and done.
- But several key House Republicans say there could be drama — and perhaps more than one ballot for speaker, despite President-elect Trump's endorsement of Johnson.
Why it matters: Johnson's propensity for working across the aisle and cutting deals with Democrats has worn out his welcome among the House GOP's right flank. Now, they want to make an example out of him.
Between the lines: The big question is whether House Republican holdouts think they've made their point by making him sweat — or whether they think they need to tank the first vote to show they mean business.
What we're watching: If Johnson fails to win reelection on the first ballot, it's a signal the chaos of the last two years of House GOP rule will continue into the next two.
- Even if he succeeds, it'll be by the narrowest of margins. So he'll have to stay continuously wary as he tries to shepherd massive conservative legislation through the lower chamber.
The bottom line: A victory for Johnson will be less of a resounding affirmation of his leadership and more a temporary reprieve — plus an acknowledgment by opponents that, for now, they lack a credible alternative.
Go deeper: Democrats rage as Johnson restricts their ability to oust him
