Defections Undermine Johnson's Bid as Rep. Norman Votes for Jordan in Speaker Race

Jan 3, 2025, 06:24 PM

Rep. Ralph Norman cast his vote for Rep. Jim Jordan in the race for Speaker of the House, becoming the second Republican to defect from supporting nominee Mike Johnson. Earlier, Rep. Thomas Massie voted for Tom Emmer, and Rep. Byron Donalds also voted against Johnson. With these defections and five GOP members abstaining from the vote, Johnson is unlikely to secure the necessary votes to win the speakership on the first ballot. Murmurs broke out on the House floor when Norman voted for Jordan. The voting continues, but the opposition suggests the process may proceed to a second round.