Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson makes bid for U.S. House speaker official: 'I'm in'

Greg Hilburn, Shreveport Times
Updated ·1 min read
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Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson is running for speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, officially submitting his paperwork with Republican Conference leadership Saturday.

Johnson believes he can unite a fractured GOP Conference and calm the chaos in the House, which has been without a speaker for almost three weeks since a small group of rogue Republicans ousted former Speaker Kevin McCarthy of California.

Since then, Republicans have nominated two more speaker candidates from their conference - first Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise and then Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan. But Scalise dropped out before a vote, and Jordan was unable to secure enough votes after two tries.

Johnson announced his decision Saturday on X, formerly Twitter: "I'm in," he tweeted along with the letter he sent to his Republican colleagues.

Congress has been paralyzed with the House unable to conduct business without a speaker and unable to consider aid to Israel for its war effort with Hamas.

Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) makes opening statements as the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitution and Limited Government holds a hearing on gender affirming care for children.
Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) makes opening statements as the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitution and Limited Government holds a hearing on gender affirming care for children.

"My extensive background in law, policy, strategic analysis, messaging, networking and building coalitions happens to have served as uncommon preparation for the extraordinary demands of the day," Johnson wrote.

Johnson, who already is in a leadership position as vice chair of the GOP Conference, previously told USA Today Network he planned to run if Jordan, who he supported, faltered.

"I believe I could unite everyone," Johnson said in an interview. "I have a vision; I know how to build coalitions. "

Eight others are also seeking the next nomination. Among the frontrunners are Minnesota Congressman Tom Emmer, who currently serves as majority whip.

A candidate forum will take place at 5:30 p.m. Monday, and an election to select a nominee for speaker is set for 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1. 

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson makes bid for House speaker official