Official announcement from the House of Representatives

Rep. Massie Won't Vote for Speaker Johnson Over 1,557-Page Funding Bill, Putting Re-Election at Risk

Dec 18, 2024, 08:15 PM

Republican Representative Thomas Massie announced that he will not support House Speaker Mike Johnson in the upcoming speaker election scheduled for January 3rd, declaring, "He doesn't have my vote." Massie cited Johnson's recent passing of a 1,557-page Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government as a key factor, stating that Johnson gave him "1,557 reasons" not to vote for him. Massie is the first Republican to publicly oppose Johnson's re-election as Speaker. With a narrow Republican majority of 219-215 in the House, Johnson can afford to lose only one Republican vote to secure the necessary 218 votes. Massie's decision, along with indications that Rep. Paul Gosar may not support Johnson, raises concerns about Johnson's ability to remain as Speaker. Some Republicans are reportedly non-committal on Johnson, further jeopardizing his re-election.