Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Thursday he has not asked President-elect Trump to make calls on his behalf to Republicans who are still on the fence about his bid to retain the gavel.
“No, I haven’t, no,” Johnson told reporters in a gaggle. “I met with him yesterday at Mar-a-Lago. We had a great visit. But I think this is going to turn out well tomorrow. And we’ll be unified, and we’ll get all this done.”
Johnson cannot afford to lose more than one Republican in the Speakership vote, assuming all members are present and voting. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has already said he will not vote for Johnson, while others are seeking assurances from Johnson on certain policy issues.
All Democrats are expected to be present Friday to vote for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), the Democratic whip’s office told The Hill, meaning Johnson will not get any wiggle room from their absences.
Other potential holdouts include Reps. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Eric Burlison (R-Mo.), Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), Scott Perry (R-Pa.) and Andy Harris (R-Md.).
Trump reportedly spoke Thursday with Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), who has voiced skepticism about Johnson’s ability to win the necessary votes on Friday. A Trump spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment about whether he had called other lawmakers.
Trump told reporters on Tuesday that he would make calls on Johnson’s behalf “if necessary,” but he projected confidence the Louisiana Republican could win the gavel.
