Mike Johnson receives public endorsement from the GOP Senate before a close House speaker vote.

The House Speaker, Mike Johnson, R-La., has received support from Senate Republicans as he prepares for an uncertain vote on Friday to retain his position in the new Congress.

Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., commended Johnson's performance in the House and expressed his satisfaction with him leading Congress as they work towards economic growth and community protection in the upcoming year.

Johnson received support from Louisiana's other senator, Sen. Bill Cassidy, who wrote that he agrees with President Trump's endorsement of Johnson as the right leader.

Despite most Republican senators being cautious not to call for Johnson's replacement during the last-minute government-spending fight last month, Sens. Rand Paul and Mike Lee suggested that someone else would do a better job.

According to Paul, who spoke to reporters in December, technically, one does not need to be a member of the House to become speaker. He pointed out that he and Trump have both received stray votes for the position.

"Thus, we'll leave it open to interpretation. I believe that, in fact, Elon Musk is making a difference."

Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., evaded the question about his confidence in Johnson, stating, "I am unable to make a decision. I do not know him well. He must work with everyone else. He does not need to work with us."

The House speaker will be chosen solely by the lower chamber, so few Republican senators are expected to publicly comment. However, the fact that some have is noteworthy.

To become the speaker of the House, a member must receive a majority of the votes cast. If there are no vacancies and no one votes "present," Johnson would need to lose only one Republican vote to secure the position.

Several House members have expressed uncertainty about supporting Johnson.

Despite Trump's endorsement, at least one Republican lawmaker remains a "no."

"Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., wrote on X that he respects and supports President Trump, but his endorsement of Mike Johnson may not be as successful as his endorsement of Speaker Paul Ryan, as Johnson has partnered with Democrats to send money to Ukraine, authorize spying on Americans, and blow the budget."

The new Congress will be set in motion on Friday with a speaker vote.