The government shutdown presents a significant leadership challenge for Johnson.

As the government shutdown deadline approaches at the end of this month, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is facing his final significant leadership challenge of the year.

The GOP lawmakers are divided on how to fund the government for the next fiscal year, which starts in October. A significant group of them are now accepting a temporary solution, a continuing resolution (CR), until December to allow more time for negotiations on the federal spending for the upcoming year.

Conservatives on Johnson's right flank are pushing him to continue fighting for a six-month CR linked to a bill mandating voter registration proof of citizenship, which the Democrat-controlled White House and Senate have deemed a nonstarter.

Last week, Johnson had to postpone a vote on the bill due to a wave of Republican defections from lawmakers who viewed it as a "messaging" tactic without a solid plan to pass the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act.

The Louisiana Republican's ability to navigate the political quagmire could influence the House GOP's December leadership decisions.

Several GOP lawmakers who spoke with Planet Chronicle Digital acknowledged that Johnson would face backlash if he fully acquiesced to Democrats on spending, while a majority saw little appetite for a coup, particularly so close to the election.

One GOP lawmaker told Planet Chronicle Digital that if there's an omnibus, he believes there's a high chance of a speaker challenge, which would be a significant hurdle to overcome.

Johnson faced no immediate threat, according to Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., a member of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus, who acknowledged there was potential for backlash.

Burlison stated that if he fails and people feel deceived, but he doesn't seem to be on that path now, then he will face the consequences.

Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., a Freedom Caucus member, stated that he was close to Johnson personally but broadly said that an omni bill would be a significant factor in any leadership elections.

He stated that it was not a suitable topic for discussion at the moment but acknowledged that it could be a component of the calculus for others.

Reps. Troy Nehls and Cory Mills, both Republicans from Texas and Florida respectively, have openly criticized the speaker and predicted that he would inevitably encounter an opponent.

In my view, for Mike Johnson to continue as speaker, it will need the support of some Democrats, according to Nehls, who also suggested House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, as a "great" candidate.

Several Republican leaders, including Jordan, ran for speaker after McCarthy's ouster, but his bid was hindered by opposition from moderates.

Mills, who opposed Johnson's CR plan, stated, "I believe he will face a substantial leadership challenge."

Mills stated that while this moment may not be a make or break, he will continue to sound the alarm and beat the drums because he believes they are heading towards economic collapse.

Unlike his predecessor, Johnson is not at risk of a political coup, according to another conservative lawmaker who spoke with Planet Chronicle Digital anonymously.

The conservative stated that based on the limited conversations they had with him and staff over the weekend, they believe that they are sincere in their efforts to prevent an omnibus.

Johnson is facing pressure from his own conference and government funding talks while Trump, the 2024 Republican nominee, is calling for a partial shutdown if election security legislation is not passed.

Johnson stated that he remains committed to his course and will continue working on the issue over the weekend.

Johnson stated earlier this week that we will continue to work on this, and Whip will do the hard work to build consensus. We will work through the weekend on this. Additionally, Johnson wants any member of Congress in either party to explain to the American people why we should not ensure that only U.S. citizens are voting in U.S. elections.

If Republicans lose the majority, Johnson will only need a majority vote of his conference to remain its leader. However, a Speaker of the House requires a majority of the entire chamber, meaning the GOP would need to be in agreement for him to win.