Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) told CNN on Friday that he is not making any side deals with GOP House members in order to win their votes to keep his job in the next Congress. Congress will convene on Friday to elect a new speaker, in a vote that will be a first major test of whether or not the Republican Party can govern effectively as Trump’s second term looms large.
Johnson’s predecessor, ex-Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), took the opposite approach when he secured the speakership – famously making deals with key members in order to get the conference behind him.
“My simple message to my colleagues is, make suggestions about process improvements, we’re open to that at all times. But I don’t make deals with anyone. There’s no quid pro quo here. I don’t do anything in exchange for a vote,” Johnson told CNN’s Sarah Ferris in the morning before the voting for speaker began.
CNN’s Manu Raju commented on Johnson’s approach, “Meantime, Johnson isn’t keen on cutting side deals the way McCarthy did to win the gavel.” Raju, CNN’s chief congressional correspondent, added:
The speaker is “not inclined to negotiate or make backroom-side deals,” per leadership source.
Whether that position changes if they head into multiple ballots remains to be seen
Johnson has secured President-elect Donald Trump’s endorsement to remain speaker and is hoping to avoid a chaotic, multiple round vote like the one in January 2023 in which McCarthy finally secured the speakership on the 15th ballot.
Johnson shared Trump’s endorsement on X Friday morning and wrote, “Thank you, President Trump! Today is a new day in America. Congressional Republicans must stay united to quickly deliver President Trump’s America First agenda. Let’s get it done.” Elon Musk replied to Johnson offering his support with a simple, “Yes.”
Despite Johnson’s optimism and Trump’s support many observers and House GOP members do not believe he has the votes going into the vote to win on the first ballot. Johnson can only afford to lose one vote if all House members vote, as he needs an outright majority to become speaker. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) has made absolutely clear he will not support Johnson, while a dozen other House members have said they remain undecided.