New Speaker Mike Johnson projects unity after 3 weeks of chaos, expects 'aggressive' House schedule

Johnson received 220 votes with no Republicans voting against him.

ByAlexandra Hutzler, John Parkinson, and Lauren Peller
Last Updated: October 25, 2023, 5:40 PM EDT

Rep. Mike Johnson was elected as the 56th speaker of the House Wednesday after three failed GOP tries. Unlike in previous ballots, every single Republican voted for him, giving him 220 votes.

The hard-liner and 2020 election denier said the House will have an “aggressive schedule in the days and weeks ahead.”

The House has faced a chaotic speakership battle that has dragged on for three weeks.

A look back at key moments:

Here's how the news developed. All times Eastern.
Oct 17, 2023, 3:17 PM EDT

What do Republicans do next? ANALYSIS

ABC News Political Director Rick Klein and ABC News Deputy Political Director Averi Harper appeared on ABC News Live to discuss what's next after Jordan's failed first bid for the speakership.

Klein said Republicans have a choice to make: hold another round of voting and hope holdouts move toward Jordan, try to draft another candidate who may be able to unite the party or find an "exit ramp" that allows the business of the House to continue under the speaker pro tempore.

Watch their analysis of the speaker race below.

ABC News’ Rick Klein and Aver Harper discuss the possible political fallout and policy priorities of Jim Jordan if he becomes House speaker.
5:21
What happens if Jim Jordan wins the House speakership? ABC News’ Rick Klein and Aver Harper discuss the possible political fallout and policy priorities of Jim Jordan if he becomes House speaker.
ABCNews.com

Oct 17, 2023, 2:49 PM EDT

Jordan's team says expect another round of votes today

“The House needs a speaker as soon as possible," Russell Dye, a spokesperson for Jordan, said in a statement. "Expect another round of votes today. It’s time for Republicans to come together."

The timing of a second vote, however, remains unclear.

Rep. Jim Jordan, Republican listens in the House Chamber at the Capitol, Oct. 17, 2023.
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

-ABC's Katherine Faulders

Oct 17, 2023, 2:26 PM EDT

McCarthy says Jordan shouldn't drop out, confident he'll get the votes

McCarthy, the former speaker, attempted to equate Jordan's loss to exactly what happened to him.

"Jordan had just as many votes as I had on the first one. I think the difference here is we have rules so we can sit down, talk to the other members and be able to move forward," McCarthy said.

McCarthy lost 19 Republicans on the first ballot, while Jordan lost 20.

Despite winning an internal vote, Jordan failed in securing the 217 votes needed to win the gavel.
6:57
Jim Jordan fails to secure enough votes for House speaker in first roundDespite winning an internal vote, Jordan failed in securing the 217 votes needed to win the gavel.
ABCNews.com

When asked if Jordan should drop out, McCarthy exclaimed: "No! No!"

"I saw the exact same vote that I got when I ran and I became speaker," McCarthy said.

McCarthy said he'll talk to Jordan and help in any way he can. When asked if he thinks Jordan will ultimately get the votes, McCarthy said "yes."

-ABC's Katherine Faulders

Oct 17, 2023, 2:02 PM EDT

House goes into recess

Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry, after reading aloud the results of the first ballot, gaveled the chamber into recess.

“A speaker has not been elected,” McHenry said.

There will not be an immediate second vote. Lawmakers are now expected to huddle behind closed doors in conference.

Speaker of the House Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry recognizes a member prior to a vote for a new Speaker of the House in the House Chamber at the Capitol, Oct. 17, 2023.
Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters

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