Florida Republicans unite behind new Speaker Mike Johnson

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Florida Republicans were united in their support Wednesday for new U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., in a floor vote.

Johnson won with a final tally of 222-209.

The congressman expressed his thanks for supporters after Wednesday afternoon’s final vote.

“It has been an arduous few weeks, and a reminder that the House is as complicated and diverse as the people we represent,” Johnson said. “The urgency of this moment demands bold, decisive action to restore trust, advance our legislative priorities, and demonstrate good governance. Our House Republican Conference is united, and eager to work.”

“We will advance a comprehensive conservative policy agenda, combat the harmful policies of the Biden Administration, and support our allies abroad,” he said. “And we will restore sanity to a government desperately in need of it.”

The Louisiana Republican was first nominated by the House GOP Tuesday night.

Former President Donald Trump did not issue formal endorsements after Ohio Republican Rep. Jim Jordan lost in his bid, but praised Johnson before the vote, saying the Louisiana Republican would be a “fantastic” speaker.

Florida Republican Rep. Byron Donalds was among those who were seeking the speaker position. He was the only Floridian in the running after the ousting of Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., thanks to Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz’s motion this month.

“I am proud to vote for the gentleman from Louisiana, Speaker-designate @RepMikeJohnson, as the NEXT Speaker of the House,” Donalds said after Johnson clinched the nomination. “Let’s get to work!”

“Steve Scalise, Jim Jordan, and Tom Emmer all saw last night that the actual saboteur of their candidacies was Kevin McCarthy,” Gaetz said. “His swampy efforts were exposed, and they were vanquished. That’s why all Americans should be excited about the ascendance of @RepMikeJohnson to the Speakership!”

Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna was another Republican who vocally celebrated Johnson’s nomination.

“@RepMikeJohnson is arguably the most conservative Speaker we will ever have the opportunity to have,” she said.

“I like Mike!” said Florida Republican Rep. Greg Steube.

“Congratulations to the 56th Speaker of the House, @RepMikeJohnson,” Florida Republican Rep. Brian Mast said. “Now let’s get back to work, hold the Biden Administration accountable, and get America back on track.”

“I was proud to vote ‘For the Republic, Mike Johnson’ on behalf of Florida’s 7th District,” Florida Republican Rep. Cory Mills said. “Honored to serve with @RepMikeJohnson as the 56th Speaker of The House.”

“I’m with @MikeJohnson,” said Florida Republican Rep. John Rutherford. “He is a servant leader with a proven conservative record who I believe has earned the trust and support of the entire GOP conference.”

Rep. Kat Cammack, another Florida Republican, also praised Johnson.

“He is a good man and a constitutional conservative. He believes in #WeThePeople! Together, we serve on the Weaponization subcommittee,” she said. “The new era of vision, faith, and freedom is here.”

Wednesday’s vote ends a weeks-long search among the GOP for a McCarthy replacement.