While the Republican Party is rejoicing the nomination of Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) as the new House Speaker, Democrats don’t appear all too happy with the decision. Johnson emerged victorious following a series of chaotic votes and withdrawals as well as voiced concerns by Democrats and progressives such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
This is a significant milestone in American politics, as it marks the first time in three weeks that the party has had a leader since former House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) stepped down from his candidacy following critiques from several members of the party and criticism from former President Donald Trump.
On Wednesday, October 25, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) expressed his worries about the GOP’s nominee for House Speaker, U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) by stating, “Mike Johnson has a very pleasant demeanor, but his voting record is as extreme as the most extreme members of his conference with very few exceptions.”
Reports indicate that chants of “Mike!” resonated from the room as Republican members celebrated their unity behind him at the conclusion of his nomination process and soon after his victory was secured over other contenders such as Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also shared her disapproval with Johnson’s nomination whom she labeled “extremist”. She pointed to his alleged role in the supposed “strategy” to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in January 6th events as well as his behavior towards a Congressional correspondent in a video posted on social media following these events.
Introducing extremist GOP Speaker nominee Mike Johnson.
He was a key architect of the Jan 6th strategy to overturn the US election.
Here he is leading a crowd that’s booing and telling a Congressional correspondent to “shut up” when asking about it. https://t.co/M7Fi4rwaCG
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) October 25, 2023
This nomination marks a significant moment for Republicans who are now celebrating behind their newly chosen speaker who they see as emblematic of unity within their party despite progressive opposition to his candidacy due to past associations with allegedly extremist political activities or opinions.
It appears likely he will ascend to office if elected by majority vote next week seeing that Republicans have already shown strong support for him during this internal process leading up to this point.
