Major House GOP Figures Endorse Johnson

Major figures among House Republicans lined up on Wednesday to support Louisiana Rep. Mike Johnson for the position of speaker after the party chose him as the nominee, Politico reported.

Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy endorsed Johnson for speaker, calling him "a friend, fighter, and principled conservative who can get the job done" and has his "full support."

Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, who spearheaded the ousting of McCarthy, said of Johnson's nomination: "It was worth it," The Hill reported.

Gaetz added that "we adore him, and I think he's gonna do a great job for the country and for the right reasons. Mike Johnson has not been bought and paid for. Mike Johnson does what is right."

In addition, Gaetz pointed out that "we had votes for Mike Johnson across the board, from some of the most conservative members to some of our front-liners. There was enthusiastic support."

Three other failed speaker designees also backed Johnson in posts.

Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan wrote on X that Johnson has "done a great job on the Judiciary Committee. Always prepared. Always ready to take on the Swamp. The House needs a speaker. And it needs to be him."

Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer posted that "we will come together and get back to winning for the American people with @RepMikeJohnson as our Speaker. I look forward to supporting him on the floor and getting back to work!"

Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise gave his own ringing support on X, stating that "I am proud to support my dear friend @RepMikeJohnson for Speaker of the House. Mike is a strong leader who has the full support of our entire conference, and has a proven track record as a conservative leader who will fight for the American people against President Biden's radical agenda that is crushing hardworking families."

Scalise added that "Mike has already done a fantastic job serving as vice chairman of the House Republican Conference, and on the Judiciary Committee, he has been a key voice in our investigations holding the Biden Administration accountable. Mike is honest, hardworking, and principled — he is a great man and will make a great Speaker.

"I look forward to continuing to work with my good friend to get this country back on track and deliver results for American families who deserve better from Washington."

Also endorsing Johnson was Oklahoma Rep. Rep. Kevin Hern, the chair of the Republican Study Committee, stating that "Mike Johnson is a great individual, somebody who will be a great leader for our conference," The Hill reported.

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