New Speaker of the House Mike Johnson

Former deputy whip Mr Johnson won 220 votes after House Republicans backed him, becoming Speaker after Emmer dropped out. Viral news.

In a surprising turn of events, Mr. Johnson, the former deputy whip, emerged victorious on the House floor with 220 votes after House Republicans rallied behind him on Tuesday evening. This sudden rise to power came after House Majority Whip Tom Emmer withdrew from the speaker race just four hours after being nominated by the House Republican conference.

Republicans from all corners of the conference enthusiastically supported Mr. Johnson, cheering and chanting his name on the floor. Mr. Johnson, who was elected to Congress in 2016, has a strong conservative background, having served as chair of the Republican Study Committee and currently holding the position of vice chair of the House Republican Conference. A member of the House Freedom Caucus, he also sits on the Judiciary Committee.

Known for his staunch opposition to abortion and LGBT+ rights, Mr. Johnson has made headlines with his legislative proposals. Earlier this year, he introduced a bill that would criminalize the transportation of minors across state lines for abortions without parental notification. His hard-right views have garnered both support and criticism within the Republican Party.

Despite his controversial stances, Mr. Johnson managed to secure votes from Republicans in swing districts, highlighting his appeal across party lines. Prior to his political career, he made waves with a bill in Louisiana that sought to withhold state benefits based on individuals' views on marriage.

The road to Mr. Johnson's victory was marked by twists and turns, starting with the ouster of former House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. A motion to vacate the chair by Rep. Matt Gaetz triggered a non-confidence vote, leading to a frantic search for a new speaker. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan initially vied for the nomination, but internal divisions within the party ultimately led to Mr. Johnson emerging as the fourth GOP nominee.

Former President Donald Trump played a significant role in the speaker race, publicly denouncing Mr. Emmer and endorsing Mr. Johnson. Trump's influence on the outcome of the race was evident, with Mr. Emmer withdrawing his bid after facing backlash from Trump allies.

Despite his ties to Trump, Mr. Johnson has shown independence by urging the former president to concede the 2020 election once all legal avenues had been exhausted. This stance may have helped bridge the divide between Trump loyalists and more moderate Republicans within the party.

In the end, Mr. Johnson's victory signals a new chapter for House Republicans, with his leadership poised to shape the party's direction in the coming years. His ascent to the speakership reflects the complex dynamics at play within the GOP and sets the stage for future political battles on Capitol Hill.