WASHINGTON – A group of 11 House Republicans indicated on Friday that while they initially had concerns about House Speaker Mike Johnson, they ultimately chose to support the Louisiana Republican due to worries regarding his capability to implement President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda.

“We decided to back him despite our genuine reservations about the Speaker’s performance over the past 15 months,” the GOP members stated, acknowledging that their crucial votes contributed to Johnson securing a tight win for another term as Speaker.

“Now, it’s up to Speaker Johnson to demonstrate that he can successfully push President Trump’s ambitious agenda,” said the group, which included Reps. Andy Harris of Maryland, Chip Roy of Texas, Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, Andy Biggs of Arizona, Clay Higgins of Louisiana, Michael Cloud of Texas, Andy Ogles of Tennessee, Eli Crane of Arizona, Eric Burlison of Missouri, Ralph Norman of South Carolina, and Andrew Clyde of Georgia.

Their votes for Johnson signify a significant challenge for the 52-year-old Speaker, who is tasked with governing a slim majority in 2025. The urgency in electing a Speaker when Republicans control both chambers of Congress and the White House was twofold: to organize essential House committees to advance legislation and to certify Trump’s election victory by counting the Electoral College votes on Monday.

Seven Republicans stayed silent during the Speaker voting, which could have impacted Johnson’s chances of winning. Additionally, three Republicans cast their votes for another candidate, adding to the potential challenge for Johnson.

As the vote was open for about two hours, the previously silent members ultimately supported him in the final tally, as did two of the three who had opposed him. Johnson secured a narrow majority in the House with 218 votes compared to 215 for the Democratic leader, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., backed Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn. There is one vacant seat following the resignation of former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla.

Post-vote, Norman shared that he had a positive discussion with Trump, describing it as “very well” and “helpful.”

“I told the President, ‘We just need Mike Johnson to support you so you can accomplish your goals,'” Norman recalled. “He responded, ‘I understand. Mike is the only one who can be elected.’ I said, ‘I agree with that.'”

“Mike assured us that he would fight for everything going forward,” Norman said. “He provided us with confidence; we believe in him.”

Trump took to Truth Social to congratulate Johnson, expressing confidence that he would be an excellent Speaker.

“Mike will be a Great Speaker, and our Country will benefit from it,” Trump stated. “The American people have waited four years for Common Sense, Strength, and Leadership. They will see it now, and America will be greater than ever!”

In a letter released after Johnson’s election as Speaker, the hesitant Republicans outlined their priorities, which align with Trump’s second-term agenda, such as enhancing security at the southern border and reducing spending, taxes, and regulations. However, some of their requests could be politically and logistically challenging.

The lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with Johnson on various matters, including their demand for more in-session days during the first ten weeks, even as members generally prefer long weekends in their districts. They also wanted assurances that all legislation would be made available at least 72 hours ahead of House votes to ensure lawmakers have time to examine it, which can be tricky with tight deadlines for passing bills.

Given their concerns, the hesitant lawmakers emphasized that Johnson “must demonstrate that he can fulfill President Trump’s ambitious agenda.” Their key priorities include:

• stopping unauthorized immigration into the country.
• reducing excessive inflationary spending while aiming for a balanced budget.
• not raising the federal borrowing limit until spending reductions are established.
• prohibiting members of Congress from trading individual stocks.

“Our actions must ensure that Congress is set up for success and that we advance the Trump agenda for the American public,” Roy stated in a social media message. “Speaker Johnson has yet to clarify this, so many members beyond the three who supported other candidates have concerns.”

Perry mentioned on social media that he would hold Johnson accountable for meeting the incoming Republican president’s agenda.

“While I still have reservations regarding Speaker Johnson’s leadership record,” he stated, “today I voted to support President Trump’s agenda.”