House Speaker Mike Johnson wins reelection in Louisiana landslide

Greg Hilburn, USA TODAY NETWORK
·2 min read

SHREVEPORT, La. — Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson swept to an easy reelection victory in the 4th Congressional District Tuesday night, turning his attention to keeping the top job in Congress if the GOP retains its slim majority in the House.

With a majority of early votes posted, Johnson secured 85% of the votes compared to Republican challenger Joshua Morott at 14%.

"We're bullish about the future," Johnson told supporters at his Election Night party in Shreveport. "I believe America's best days are ahead of us." Johnson said he would leave Shreveport after the party to fly to Mar-a-Lago in Florida to support former President Donald Trump.

Johnson's unexpected rise to speaker a year ago came when he emerged as a compromise choice after weeks of chaos following the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy of California. He's been on a full sprint since both in the House and on the road campaigning for Republican colleagues to defend their seats and raising money to support them.

"Every minute since getting the gavel has been full," Johnson said in a previous exclusive interview with USA Today Network. "There's been no downtime at all."

But Johnson said he has embraced the new responsibilities and unrelenting schedule.

"I get up excited every day and am enjoying the opportunity I've been presented with," he said. "I see this as an opportunity for renewal and restoration, and I'm enjoying being in a position to help guide the country in that direction."

Johnson survived a formal challenge to his speakership in May by a handful of rogue Republicans led by Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, earning a vote of confidence when the House voted overwhelmingly to rebuff Greene's effort to fire him.

"Hopefully, this is the end of the personality politics and the frivolous character assassination that has defined the 118th Congress," Johnson said after surviving the threat to his job.

Johnson could face another challenge to his speakership when the new Congress convenes in 2025. But he's worked hard to solidify his support with his barnstorming campaign tour.

Since becoming speaker, — the first in history from Louisiana — Johnson has traveled to campaign in more than 210 cities and 40 states.

Louisiana Election Results 2024: Live updates, maps for every state race

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1. 

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Louisiana election: House Speaker Mike Johnson wins landslide

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