New Speaker Mike Johnson projects unity after 3 weeks of chaos, expects 'aggressive' House schedule

Johnson received 220 votes with no Republicans voting against him.

ByAlexandra Hutzler, John Parkinson, and Lauren Peller
Last Updated: October 25, 2023, 5:40 PM EDT

Rep. Mike Johnson was elected as the 56th speaker of the House Wednesday after three failed GOP tries. Unlike in previous ballots, every single Republican voted for him, giving him 220 votes.

The hard-liner and 2020 election denier said the House will have an “aggressive schedule in the days and weeks ahead.”

The House has faced a chaotic speakership battle that has dragged on for three weeks.

A look back at key moments:

Here's how the news developed. All times Eastern.
Oct 25, 2023, 9:10 AM EDT

Republicans boo when ABC asks Johnson about voting to overturn 2020 election

On Tuesday night after nominating Rep. Mike Johnson for speaker, Republicans invited reporters inside the room where they had been huddling for hours. Roughly 100 Republicans stood behind Mike Johnson to show their support as he took questions.

ABC Senior Congressional Correspondent Rachel Scott asked Johnson, who voted to overturn the 2020 election results, if he stood by that vote.

The members in the room started booing when Scott asked the question.

"Oh, boo," they shouted.

"Shut up, shut up," Rep. Virginia Foxx said.

"Next question," Johnson said.

Scott also asked if Johnson supports additional aid to Ukraine and Israel.

"You asked your question! You asked your question," some members shouted.

"Go away! Go away," another member said.

"We're not doing any policy tonight. Any other questions?" Johnson asked.

Johnson emphasized that when Republicans go to the floor tomorrow, they will be united.

"Democracy is messy sometimes, but it is our system. This conference that you see, this House Republican majority is united," Johnson said.

Members chanted in response, "we're united."

-ABC's Rachel Scott

ABC’s Rachel Scott was told to “go away” by one House member after asking speaker nominee Rep. Mike Johnson about voting to overturn the 2020 election.
0:32
Republicans boo ABC reporter over questionABC’s Rachel Scott was told to “go away” by one House member after asking speaker nominee Rep. Mike Johnson about voting to overturn the 2020 election.
ABCNews.com
Oct 24, 2023, 10:08 PM EDT

Rep. Mike Johnson wins GOP speaker nomination

Rep. Mike Johnson has won the GOP speaker nomination. In a third round of voting his vote total jumped up to 128.

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy came in second with 43 votes, while Rep. Byron Donalds came in third with 29.

-ABC's Lauren Peller, Rachel Scott, Allison Pecorin and Jay O'Brien

Oct 24, 2023, 9:59 PM EDT

2nd GOP vote for fourth speaker designee sees Rep. Johnson in lead again

The GOP's second ballot vote results for the 4th speaker designee have concluded and Rep. Mike Johnson came out on top for the second time, earning 12 additional votes for a total of 97. Rep. Byron Donalds came in second with 31 votes -- one less than the first round; Rep. Mark Green came in third with 21 votes, losing two votes, and Rep. Roger Williams was fourth with 20 votes.

-ABC's Lauren Peller, Rachel Scott, Allison Pecorin and Jay O'Brien

Oct 24, 2023, 9:42 PM EDT

1st GOP vote for 4th speaker designee puts Rep. Johnson in lead

The GOP's first ballot vote results for the fourth speaker designee have concluded and Rep. Mike Johnson has come out on top with 85 votes, according to ABC News' sources. Rep. Byron Donalds came in second with 32 votes; Rep. Mark Green in third with 23 votes; Rep. Roger Williams in fourth with 21, and Rep. Chuck Fleishmann in fifth with 10 votes.

A total of 31 votes were cast for other lawmakers not named. Two Republicans voted present.

-ABC's Lauren Peller, Rachel Scott, Allison Pecorin and Jay O'Brien

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