One defector votes against House Republicans in quick speaker election.

The House of Representatives re-elected Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., during the first round of votes on Friday, after avoiding the lengthy speaker vote process that former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., faced in early 2023.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., congratulated his friend Speaker Johnson on the successful vote and expressed excitement to work with President Trump to Make America Great Again.

Johnson was elected as speaker once more with a vote of 218-215-1, with the exception of Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who voted against him.

Tom Emmer, R-Minn., congratulated Speaker Johnson on his re-election as Majority Whip of the House. Under Johnson's leadership, the House Republicans are prepared to collaborate with President Trump to address issues such as fixing the economy, securing borders, unleashing American energy, and lowering taxes for families. The American people are relying on the House GOP to deliver on these promises.

Initially, it seemed that Johnson would not receive enough votes to win on the first ballot, as Reps. Self of Texas and Norman of South Carolina initially voted for different candidates. However, the two later changed their votes to Johnson before the final count was made.

In 2023, it took 15 ballots to elect McCarthy, but several Republicans claimed they could accomplish the task on the first ballot.

As the Chairwoman of the unified House Republican Conference, I proudly declare that we are prepared to govern after achieving victory on the first ballot, said House GOP conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain, R-Mich., on X.

On his first day in office, Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., stated, "It's time to begin working for the benefit of the American people."

Despite winning re-election on the first ballot, Johnson faced uncertainty due to the actions of some Republicans, including members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, who did not initially vote when their names were called, putting Johnson's speakership at risk.

During the roll call, Reps. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., Michael Cloud, R-Texas, Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris, R-Md., Chip Roy, R-Texas, and Mike Waltz, R-Fla., did not vote initially.

The surprise of some was evident after the initial roll call, as each of the representatives voted in favor of Johnson.

Harris wrote on X that we voted for Mike Johnson for Speaker of the House due to our unwavering loyalty to President Trump and to expedite the certification of his electors.

Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., who is a former chairman of the HFC, stated on X, "Although I still have doubts about Speaker Johnson's leadership, I voted in favor of President Trump's agenda today."

Speaker Johnson will be held accountable to fulfill the Republican Agenda. He must take several actions, including securing the southern border, implementing House rules, reducing federal spending, eliminating costly regulations, reversing Biden's Green New Deal policies, and banning Congressional stock trades. The American People have given us a mandate to implement these policies to save our country.

Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., congratulated Speaker Johnson and expressed his anticipation of collaborating to achieve President Trump's legislative objectives in the near future.