GOP lawmakers assure that Johnson will remain as Speaker despite their frustrations

House Republicans maintain that Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) remains firmly in his role, even as frustration mounts among members who openly question his strategies and challenge his authority on the House floor. Critics within the party have expressed dissatisfaction with Johnsons approach, urging him to align more closely with their priorities as the 2026 elections approach.

This week, Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) submitted a discharge petition aimed at bypassing Johnson to push a vote on legislation banning congressional stock tradinga tactic previously used to secure a vote on the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Opposition from GOP members also recently led to the abandonment of a bill regulating name, image, and likeness deals in college sports. Tensions escalated further when Representative Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) told The Wall Street Journal that Johnson would likely lose a hypothetical vote for Speaker if held immediately. Stefaniks criticism stemmed from a defense bill provision she championed that was excluded, a decision she attributed to Johnson.

Despite these disputes, many Republicans note that managing a narrow majority in the House is inherently difficult. Representative Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) highlighted the challenges of replacing Johnson, saying, Hes safe as anybody. Whos going to replace him? Who can get the votes? Lawmakers recall the chaotic weeks after former Speaker Kevin McCarthys removal, when multiple candidates failed before Johnson secured the Speakership.

Luna, while pursuing her discharge petition, confirmed she would still support Johnson for Speaker. Similarly, Stefanik softened her criticism after discussions with Johnson and former President Trump, acknowledging that he is likely to remain Speaker for the rest of the term.

Representative Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) described efforts to remove Johnson as an extreme remedy given the new House rules requiring nine majority members to initiate a snap ouster vote. With Trumps continued backing, many agree Johnsons position is secure. Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) stated, Any effort to get rid of him while Donald Trump wants him to be Speaker is, I think, kind of futile.

Some Republicans, however, expressed dissatisfaction with Johnsons leadership. Kiley noted a heightened level of frustration, citing the Speakers management of the chamber during a six-week government shutdown and the lack of clear legislative goals since then. Concerns over health care proposals and insider trading legislation further fuel anxieties among the party.

Despite the criticism, several Republicans praised Johnsons leadership and ability to pass significant legislation with a slim majority. Representative Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas) highlighted his diplomacy, transparency, and member-focused approach as strengths that enhance his effectiveness.

Johnson remains confident, telling reporters he is unconcerned about his standing within the party and plans to continue advancing his legislative agenda in the next Congress.

Author: Grace Ellison