GOP’s Johnson Tries to Flip Votes to Win Speaker on First Round

By Billy House

January 03, 2025 at 1:36PM EST

Representative Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, arrives in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. Johnson will soon learn how much weight President-elect Donald Trump's endorsement carries with rebellious ultra-conservatives unhappy with the Louisiana Republican's job performance and his dealmaking with Democrats. Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg (Al Drago/Bloomberg)

(Bloomberg) -- Republican Mike Johnson appeared to have fallen short of reelection as House speaker, prompting Republicans to hold the vote as he and his allies worked to flip votes.

Because of Republicans’ narrow House majority, Johnson can only afford to lose one Republican vote. Three Republicans had already voted for other candidates with the vote still ongoing.

Lawmakers can still change their votes until the vote comes to an end. There’s been no official gavel but voting halted for at least 30 minutes, with Johnson exiting and returning to the floor as his allies negotiated with his opponents.

Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Ralph Norman of South Carolina and Keith Self of Texas voted for Republicans other than Johnson.