The U.S. House of Representatives elected Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) to be the new speaker after former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) was voted out of the leadership position earlier this month.
Lawmakers elected Johnson in the first House floor ballot on Wednesday, with Republicans narrowly defeating the Democrats’ nominee, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).
During her speech nominating Johnson, House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) called the Louisiana congressman “a man of deep faith” who “epitomizes what it means to be a servant leader.”
“Mike has dedicated his life to preserving America’s great principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” Stefanik added.
READ MORE: McCarthy voted out as Speaker of the House
Shortly after his election, Johnson posted the following statement on X:
It is the honor of a lifetime to have been elected the 56th Speaker of the House.
Thank you to my colleagues, friends, staff, and family for the unmatched support throughout this process.
It has been an arduous few weeks, and a reminder that the House is as complicated and diverse as the people we represent. The urgency of this moment demands bold, decisive action to restore trust, advance our legislative priorities, and demonstrate good governance. Our House Republican Conference is united, and eager to work.
As Speaker, I will ensure the House delivers results and inspires change for the American people. We will restore trust in this body. We will advance a comprehensive conservative policy agenda, combat the harmful policies of the Biden Administration, and support our allies abroad. And we will restore sanity to a government desperately in need of it. Let’s get back to work.
