U.S. Representative Mike Johnson from Benton will make his case before House Republicans today to be the next Speaker of the House. Eight other Republicans are also seeking the post. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Johnson’s chances are as good as the other candidates
“People who have bonafide credentials that appeal to the base of the party and who have been there long enough as he has been to build connections with people, that may be the kind of person who is able to gain the support of the caucus.”
Johnson’s announcement comes after Louisiana’s Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan of Ohio failed short of the 217 votes needed as House Speaker.
He serves as vice chairman of the House Republican Conference. Hogan says having GOP leadership in the chamber should help Johnson’s chances.
“It demonstrates that he has connections and in a race with so many people running there’s going to be a premium put on candidates who have deep political connections with other members of his party.”
Johnson is also a member of the House Judiciary Committee.
The House has been without a speaker since early October as Republicans can’t get on the same page to elect a replacement for Kevin McCarthy. Hogan says Johnson has been one of the more conservative members of Congress and that may help him out in his quest to be the next speaker.
“He is someone who has credentials that appeal to members of the hard right in the Republican caucus.”
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