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In a tight vote Friday afternoon, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) narrowly retained the gavel.
Republicans hope to use their control of the House, Senate and White House to swear in President-elect Trump later this month, avoiding the same fate as the last two drawn-out speaker elections.
The spat between Trump and Johnson ultimately led to Republican Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) becoming the only Republican to defy leadership and vote against Johnson.
Let’s take a look at the key moments from the first vote of the 119th Congress.
1. Five Republicans refused to vote. 3 people vote against Johnson
Mr. Johnson appeared to be on the path to defeat as five Republicans sat silently as clerks called their names for votes. Three other Republicans, Thomas Massey of Kentucky, Ralph Norman of South Carolina and Keith Self of Texas, voted against Johnson.
Massey voted for Rep. Tom Emmer, Republican of Minnesota. Mr. Norman voted for Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). He voted for Congressman Byron Donald (R-Florida).
At the end of the vote, the names of those who refused to vote at the first mention were called again. Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md. Andy Biggs, Republican, Arizona. Andrew Clyde, Georgia. Michael Cloud, Republican, Texas. and Chip Roy (R-Texas) ultimately voted for Johnson.
In a tight vote Friday, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) narrowly retained the gavel. (Tom Williams)
After Trump’s 11th-hour call, Republican rebels switch votes to Johnson, pushing him over the finish line
2. President Trump calls two Republican defectors
Mr. Trump then called Mr. Norman and Mr. Self, urging them to switch their votes to Mr. Johnson, both senators confirmed to Fox News Digital.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R.S.C.) called Trump, Self and Norman after voting against Johnson, two people told Fox News Digital. .
Mace did not comment, but FOX News Digital saw Mace and Johnson hugging on the House floor after being side-kicked with resistance fighters.
Mr Mace was also previously seen having a heated meeting with Mr Norman outside the House chamber.
Massey was an incompatible personality – Johnson had long decided he was not the right person for the job. However, Johnson could only lose one vote and hold on to the gavel.
Johnson also huddled with Self and Norman. House leaders did not formally close the vote as they considered a way forward.
Representative Ralph Norman (R.S.C.) initially voted against Mr. Johnson. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Mr. Norman and Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) switched their votes after speaking with both Mr. Johnson and President-elect Trump. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc, via Getty Images)
3. Self and Norman change their votes
About an hour after voting for someone else, the two defectors switched their votes, granting Mr Johnson’s wish.
Self said he switched his vote to promote “Trump policies.”
Mike Johnson reelected as House speaker as threat of Republican insurrection dissipates
“Trump’s agenda is most important. Trump’s agenda is most important, and we need to strengthen the House process to ensure we have the strongest negotiating team for any future settlement. So, again, But this was all about building a consensus.”Trump’s policies will be more successful,” Self said.
Mr Norman said he had spoken to Mr Trump but was ultimately persuaded to change his mind by Mr Johnson’s promise to bring about “real change”.
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Mr. Norman said Mr. Trump “just made the case that Mike is the only one who has a chance of being elected.”
He said Mr Johnson did not offer anything in return but a “promise that things will change”.
FOX News’ Liz Elkind contributed to this report.
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