Representative Mike Johnson secured his re-election as Speaker of the House for the 119th Congress, following a dramatic first round of voting. Initial resistance from within the Republican party created a tense atmosphere on Capitol Hill Friday, with three GOP members initially voting against Johnson's candidacy. A brief meeting within the Republican ranks led to a shift, with Representatives Ralph Norman and Keith Self ultimately changing their votes, paving the way for Johnson's victory.

The image captures the moment Representative Andy Ogles congratulates Speaker Johnson in the House chamber after the vote.

While the internal GOP discussions unfolded, Democratic representatives expressed their views on social media. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries highlighted the Republican party's internal struggles, while Representative Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico lamented the potential for continued dysfunction and gridlock. The atmosphere shifted significantly once Johnson's victory was confirmed. Some Democrats, like Representative Hank Johnson of Georgia, acknowledged the Speaker's strategic approach, contrasting it with the protracted speaker election process of 2023. Others, such as Representatives Jasmine Crockett of Texas and Morgan McGarvey of Kentucky, expressed a mix of surprise and a desire to move forward with legislative work. Post-election, several Democrats, including Representative Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts, publicly congratulated Johnson and urged bipartisan cooperation on key issues.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries addresses the media during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol.

Representative Jasmine Crockett reacts to the Speaker election outcome.

Throughout the process, Democratic representatives consistently supported their party leader, Hakeem Jeffries. Representative Katherine Clark of Massachusetts emphasized the Democrats' unified stance behind Jeffries.