Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) has wasted no time rallying support among his GOP colleagues to retain the Speaker’s gavel as Republicans head toward what they believe will be a triumphant 2025. Johnson, installed as Speaker after Kevin McCarthy’s (R-CA) dramatic ousting in October 2023, sent a letter to his GOP colleagues on Wednesday with a clear message: He’s ready to keep the House on offense, especially with Republicans gearing up to hold the House, reclaim the Senate, and bring Donald Trump back to the White House.
In his message, Johnson wasn’t exactly subtle. “I’m ready to take the field with all of you,” he wrote, striking a tone that sounded more Friday night lights than congressional decorum. But this isn’t just rhetoric—Johnson sees himself as the coach leading the team in what he’s calling “the biggest offense of our lives.” And for him, the goal is simple: Save the country from what he views as the consequences of Democratic policies. “We have a country to save — and we will,” he declared.
Since Johnson took over, he’s had to juggle the reality of a slim GOP majority against the backdrop of a Democrat-controlled Senate and a White House that’s anything but friendly to his agenda. But with a 2024 election win giving Republicans the Senate and Trump’s return to the Oval Office, Johnson and the GOP believe they’re on the brink of a unified government ready to roll back Biden-era policies.
Decision Desk HQ puts Republicans’ odds of retaining the House at 95%, though Democratic leaders are far from conceding. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) is insisting that the fight’s not over, pointing to close races still underway in key states like Arizona, Oregon, and California. Jeffries and the Democrats are holding onto hope that uncounted ballots could give them a shot, declaring, “We must count every vote.”
Meanwhile, Johnson’s putting his priorities on full display, aligning himself with Trump’s “Make America Great Again” vision. He wants to tackle what he calls “a mandate for secure borders, lower costs, peace through strength, and a return to common sense.” If the GOP successfully unites, Johnson hopes that these next two years will produce what he believes will be the most impactful Congress in modern times. His policy wish list includes reinforcing the border, reducing inflation, and restoring what he calls “common sense” to America’s economic and social policies—areas where he sees Democratic influence as having led the country astray.
“The mandate that has been delivered shows that a majority of Americans are eager for secure borders, lower costs, peace through strength, and a return to common sense,” he said.
“With unified Republican government, if we meet this historic moment together, the next two years can result in the most consequential Congress of the modern era,” Johnson continued.
It’s not just Johnson gunning for another term in leadership, either. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) also sent his own letter to GOP members, laying out his “First 100-Day Agenda,” which notably includes preserving the Trump tax cuts, boosting American energy independence, and prioritizing resources for border security. Scalise is determined to drive forward a conservative vision, which he says Americans are demanding, with a particular focus on securing the southern border and reinvigorating the U.S. energy sector.
For now, it seems no Republican has publicly announced plans to challenge Johnson for the Speaker role, but it wouldn’t be a shock if a contender eventually steps up. However, with Johnson’s quick action and rallying language, he’s already working to close off potential challengers by positioning himself as a unifier and a warrior for the Republican cause. And with Trump and much of the GOP’s base behind him, Johnson might just hold onto the Speaker’s gavel come January—provided his party holds onto its thin majority.
As the nation waits for the final House results, it’s clear that Republicans like Johnson and Scalise aren’t just waiting around. They’re betting big on a new conservative agenda, ready to counter the “woke” policies of the Biden administration and restore what they see as common sense to Capitol Hill. And if Johnson gets his way, we might be in for an era of conservative policies pushed hard, loud, and fast, with a Speaker who’s more than ready to keep his team playing offense.
