Just days into his role as Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson (R-La.) is already facing backlash from within his own party. Nine Republican lawmakers, citing dissatisfaction with his leadership and perceived concessions to Democrats, have reportedly begun laying the groundwork to oust him.
The GOP’s internal divisions are once again on full display, with these members pushing for a more hardline approach on conservative priorities like spending cuts. Their dissatisfaction stems from what they view as Johnson’s failure to deliver on key promises and concerns that his leadership could mirror the compromises made by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).
A Tenuous Hold on Power
The group includes several hardline conservatives who initially abstained from voting for Johnson or supported other candidates during the Speaker vote. While they eventually changed their votes to help secure Johnson’s gavel, their reluctance to back him outright signals ongoing discontent.
The 9 number is important — 3 votes for someone else and 6 who withheld to end then voted for Johnson — because that’s the new threshold for motion to vacate (9 members) in new House rules package. So it could be they’re sending Johnson a message here and come around on ballot 2
— Matthew Boyle (@mboyle1) January 3, 2025
Unlike during McCarthy’s tenure, the current rules make it more difficult to challenge Johnson’s position. A vote to vacate now requires a higher threshold of support, but the nine dissenters, if joined by Democrats, could still create enough pressure to remove him.
Chip Roy’s Warning
One of the key dissenters, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), released a statement voicing skepticism over Johnson’s leadership. Speaking on behalf of his concerned colleagues, Roy called for stronger commitment to conservative principles and warned of consequences if Johnson continues to “pander” to the left.
My statement – along with my colleagues – regarding our vote for @SpeakerJohnson. pic.twitter.com/vXsNq9DDcm
— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) January 3, 2025
The coming months will test Johnson’s ability to unite a fractured GOP and deliver on promises while navigating opposition from within his own ranks. If he fails, this early effort to oust him may gain momentum, setting the stage for yet another leadership battle in the Republican-controlled House.
