OAN Staff Sophia Flores
Friday, January 3, 2025
Updated at 11:39am: Congressman Mike Johnson secured enough votes in the first round to win the election for Speaker of the House.
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Rep. Ralph Norman (South Carolina) and Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) switched their votes to Mr. Johnson (R-Louisiana) before the House was defeated in the first round.
Mr Johnson secured 218 votes.
11:02am: The House of Representatives will hold a new vote after failing to reach a majority agreement on who to elect as Speaker.
The beginning of 119th Parliament began on Friday morning. The House's first task was to convene to vote on a bill to elect a new Speaker.
With Republicans holding a 219-215 majority, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) only lost two votes. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) announced before the vote that he would not vote for Johnson to remain speaker.
Massie voted for Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minnesota), the House speaker candidate.
Rep. Ralph Norman (R.C.) voted for Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio).
Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) voted for Byron Donald (R-Fla.).
The Democratic Party nominated Hakeem Jeffries (New York State) as its speaker candidate.
President-elect Donald Trump has been a vocal supporter of Johnson retaining the chairmanship.
President Trump appeared on Truth Social on Friday morning and said Johnson (R-Louisiana) is very close to 100% support from the Republican caucus. He added that Johnson's victory would be a huge victory for Republicans.
A vote of the Speaker is required before the House can conduct business. This includes certifying Trump's victory in the 2024 election.
This is breaking news. Please check the latest information.
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