Two Republican lawmakers reversed their votes in the first round and ended up endorsing Johnson.
The newly elected House of Representatives of the US Congress on Friday re-elected the current chairman, Mike Johnson, who is also supported by President-elect Donald Trump. TASR reports according to AP and AFP agencies.
The Louisiana congressman originally received 216 votes, beating Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries by just one vote. He was two votes away from getting a simple majority.
Three Republicans initially refused to endorse Johnson and voted for other candidates. The current president managed to win only after lengthy negotiations, during which two congressmen finally expressed their support.
The first session of the House of Representatives in the new composition after the November elections is being held in Washington today. Although the Republicans defended the majority, they lost two seats to the Democrats; they have 219 seats in the House, Democrats 215.
According to the AP agency, the traditionally ceremonial day when newly elected congressmen come to be sworn in, often accompanied by family, friends and children, turned into a closely watched vote for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives. It is one of the most powerful elected positions in Washington.
