Mike Johnson marks three years as speaker before midterms

Three years in the speaker’s office

Mike Johnson marked three years as House speaker with Republicans preparing to defend their narrow majority in the midterm elections.

The Louisiana Republican became speaker after Kevin McCarthy was removed from the position, the first ouster of a sitting House speaker. Johnson, who had served in Congress since 2017, secured unanimous support from House Republicans after a three-week leadership deadlock.

His unexpected rise led others to call him the “accidental speaker.” His tenure has since unfolded with the Republican majority fluctuating between one and four seats, limiting how many members could oppose legislation without blocking it.

Johnson credited House Republicans with passing tax, spending, border, education, housing and prescription-drug measures. Those descriptions reflect Johnson’s account of his record in an anniversary statement reported by Fox News.

Fundraising and the midterm test

Johnson has raised for Republicans during the current election cycle. In the month before Election Day, he campaigned in more than 40 congressional districts across 22 states.

Primary victories secured those candidates’ places in the general election but did not determine which party will control the House.

The midterms now present a direct test of Johnson’s work as the party’s top House leader and fundraiser. The results will decide whether Republicans retain their majority, which is central to Johnson’s ability to remain speaker. Johnson said he remains grateful for his colleagues’ confidence as they work to protect that majority.