The grapple for the speaker’s gavel is headed to round two after three Republicans withheld their votes from House Speaker Mike Johnson, potentially pushing Johnson’s speakership to the brink of collapse.
Three Republican lawmakers defected from the party leadership choosing to endorse three alternative candidates. They include Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., who voted for Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio; Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, who voted for Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla.; and Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky. who voted for Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn.
The cohort of Johnson’s objectors come from Johnson’s rightward flank. Johnson announced earlier today certain commitments in a bid to appeal to undecided House members.
