Special Poll
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) recently cautioned his fellow Republicans about the risks of attempting to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) as the 119th Congress begins its session. With the GOP holding only a narrow majority, Johnson can’t afford to lose even a single Republican vote when the House selects its new leader. A drawn-out conflict over leadership could hinder other key congressional tasks, including certifying President-elect Trump’s victory.
Lawler expressed frustration over the previous ousting of Speaker Kevin McCarthy, calling it “the single stupidest thing I’ve ever seen in politics” during an interview on ABC News. He argued that removing Johnson would be equally shortsighted, warning that efforts to replace him with someone more conservative were unrealistic and counterproductive. He emphasized that such moves jeopardize the party’s ability to function effectively and are akin to “playing with fire.”
Johnson’s position has become increasingly precarious, particularly after Trump opposed a temporary spending bill aimed at avoiding a government shutdown. The bill eventually passed without including a debt ceiling increase, a priority for Trump and some of his staunch allies. Following this, several Republicans voiced their discontent with Johnson’s leadership. While Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) stated he wouldn’t vote for Johnson, others like Reps. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) and Andy Harris (R-Md.) remain undecided.
Lawler highlighted that Johnson is likely the most conservative speaker ever to hold the position and commended his efforts despite opposition from within the party. He rejected the idea of yielding to those seeking Johnson’s removal, insisting that it would not strengthen their position but rather delay essential work Congress must undertake for the American people. He warned that starting a prolonged battle over the speaker’s role would waste valuable time, including preparations for certifying the presidential election.
According to Lawler, “A speaker battle is a distraction we can’t afford. Without a speaker, Congress is paralyzed, and the business of governing grinds to a halt. It’s time for Republicans to focus on the work ahead, not internal squabbles.”