Chip Roy on Johnson: ‘I don’t believe he has the votes’
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SUMMARY
Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) voiced his skepticism about Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-La.) ability to retain the gavel, citing unresolved issues among Republican colleagues and dissatisfaction with last year’s legislative performance. Despite former President Trump’s endorsement of Johnson, Roy remains undecided ahead of the Jan. 3 Speaker election. Johnson can only afford one Republican defection, with all 215 House Democrats expected to vote for Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.). Roy criticized Johnson’s handling of a short-term spending deal before Christmas, which he claims violated procedural rules and included excessive spending. Roy floated alternative Speaker candidates, including Reps. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) and Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), reiterating the need for a unified GOP agenda focused on spending cuts and inflation reduction. Other Republicans, including Reps. Andy Biggs (Ariz.) and Thomas Massie (Ky.), have also withheld support.
