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.
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:
- House passes resolution defending Israel under Speaker Johnson
- Schumer said he looks forward to working with Johnson in bipartisan way
- Biden says he'll work with Johnson
- House motion-to-vacate rules remain unchanged after Johnson elected speaker
- Johnson: 'We're going to dispense with all the usual ceremonies and celebrations'
Jordan tells ABC more members will vote for him on 2nd ballot
ABC News caught Jordan moments after he left the House chamber. He made it clear that he's staying in the race for speaker, insisting there will be another vote tonight.
"We thought we were doing well ... that we were in that area or a little more maybe, but we feel confident. We already talked to some members who are going to vote with us on the second ballot," Jordan said as he rushed into an office.
-ABC's Rachel Scott, Lauren Peller, Arthur Jones and John Parkinson
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.
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.
-ABC's Katherine Faulders
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.
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