Mike Johnson’s Emergence As House Speaker Brings His Beliefs Under Spotlight

The relatively little-known Louisiana Republican was elected speaker of the US House of Representatives on Wednesday, ending a standoff that had stretched on for weeks.

In the floor vote, Mike Johnson won the support of all 220 Republicans who cast a ballot, while all 209 Democrats present voted for Hakeem Jeffries of New York.

Delivering his first speech as House speaker, Johnson promised to “restore” the trust of the American people, which he admitted had been damaged by the weeks of chaos.

Biden Congratulates Johnson On His Win

Johnson’s election brings an end to a long standoff that began earlier this month, when eight House Republicans joined Democrats to abruptly oust Kevin McCarthy of California.

In the weeks since, three other speaker nominees have failed to unite the Republican conference – Steve Scalise of Louisiana, Jim Jordan of Ohio and Tom Emmer of Minnesota.

In a statement congratulating Johnson on his victory, President Joe Biden vowed to “work with [House Republicans] in good faith on behalf of the American people.”

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Expressing Support For America’s Key Allies

While Biden has called on Congress to pass an aid package to assist Ukraine and Israel, the House had not been able to take up such a bill until a new speaker was elected.

On Wednesday, Johnson said the first measure taken up under his speakership would be a resolution expressing support for America’s key ally Israel amid its war against Hamas.

Nonetheless, his victory has earned the relatively little-known Louisiana Republican and his beliefs a turn in the national spotlight. Read on.

Johnson’s Positions And Remarks In Focus

Johnson, who practiced constitutional law before entering politics, has already faced questions over his history of supporting Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

In state politics and at the national level, the Republican is known to have worked to claw back advancements made by LGBTQ+ Americans in their fight for equality.

Moreover, his stance on abortion rights, climate change, social security and Medicare is perceived by many as extreme. Democrats and progressives greeted his win with criticism.