Mike Johnson Has The Votes Says GOP Rep

New York Congressman Mike Lawler has cautioned his Republican colleagues against attempting to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) as the 119th Congress prepares to convene. With the GOP holding an extremely slim majority, Johnson can afford to lose only one Republican vote in the upcoming leadership election—a precarious situation that could lead to significant disruption in the House.

The stakes are immense, as any prolonged internal battle over leadership could stall critical congressional responsibilities, including certifying President-elect Donald Trump’s victory. Such delays would not only disrupt the legislative agenda but also emphasize the ongoing divisions within the Republican Party.

During an interview on ABC’s This Week, Lawler expressed frustration with those seeking to unseat Johnson, drawing parallels to the removal of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. He argued that McCarthy’s ousting was a disastrous decision, driven by internal party conflict and enabled by Democrats. Lawler didn’t hold back, calling it “the single stupidest thing I’ve ever seen in politics” and warning that removing Johnson would be equally reckless, reported Axios. He emphasized that Republicans hoping for a more conservative speaker are deluding themselves, adding that such infighting risks further chaos.

During the interview, however, the New Yorker said he thinks Johnson has the votes to keep his job.

Johnson has faced mounting pressure since Congress narrowly avoided a government shutdown in December. The spending bill that eventually passed did not include a debt ceiling provision—a key priority for former President Trump and his MAGA-aligned allies. This omission has fueled frustration among some hardline Republicans, including Rep. Thomas Massie, of Kentucky, who openly stated he will not support Johnson moving forward. Others, such as Reps. Scott Perry, of Pennsylvania, and Andy Harris, from Maryland, remain undecided about their stance.

Despite the growing dissent, Lawler defended Johnson, describing him as one of the most conservative House Speakers in history. He acknowledged the challenges Johnson has faced and praised his ability to navigate intense internal opposition. Lawler urged his colleagues to prioritize governance over political infighting, pointing out that without a functioning speaker, essential tasks like certifying Trump’s election on January 6th cannot proceed smoothly.