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Mike Johnson wins Speaker’s gavel with support from GOP congressional delegation

U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) was elected Speaker of the House Wednesday with the help of every member of Alabama’s Republican Party congressional delegation.

Johnson, who was the vice chairman on the House Republican Conference, won the Speaker’s seat in a 220-209 vote over Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies (D-N.Y.).

“Democracy is messy sometimes,” Johnson said after his nomination Tuesday night. “This House Republican majority is united.”

In response to Johnson’s victory, U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover), who withdrew his bid for Speaker Tuesday, praised the new House leader.

“This is an important day for the country,” Palmer said. “House Republicans are united behind a principled, unwavering conservative in Speaker Mike Johnson. Mike is a good friend I have worked closely with, and I know he will live out his faith in God by leading the House with honor as we serve the American people.”

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) also congratulated the new Speaker and said he looks forward to working with him in accomplishing conservative priorities.

“Congratulations to my good friend, Mike Johnson, on becoming the 56th Speaker of the House,” Moore said in a statement. “Speaker Johnson is a man of faith and conviction, and it has been a pleasure serving with him on the House Judiciary Committee. I was proud to support him on the House floor. I look forward to working with him as Speaker to secure our border, push back against the Biden administration and the Democrats’ radical agenda, and restore fiscal sanity to Washington.”

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) said he expects Johnson to be a great Republican leader.

“Mike Johnson is not only a strong conservative but is also a strong Christian. He will unite our conference and lead us with conviction,” Strong said in a statement. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with Mike as a colleague on the Armed Services Committee. He’s a fighter and will continue fighting for what is best for national security and our men and women in uniform. Now that we have a leader in place, the House must get to work on the issues that matter to people in North Alabama: cutting wasteful spending, improving our economy, fighting woke agendas, and securing our borders.”

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks), who chairs the House Armed Services Committee, said he was “excited” about Johnson’s victory.

U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) said this is a sign Republicans are once again united.

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

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