Let’s pray Speaker Johnson is smart enough to not get in bed with the Democrats.
A group of House Democrats is signaling a potential willingness to assist Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) in retaining his position amid a brewing conservative rebellion. However, their support comes with a condition – Johnson must reach an agreement with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) to ensure Democrats have a more significant role in the legislative process. If such an arrangement is forged, these Democrats are open to providing the votes needed to maintain Johnson’s speakership.
Representative Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) emphasized the need for Johnson to engage with Jeffries, drawing parallels to a similar suggestion made to former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) during his leadership struggles last year. Other Democrats, like Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.), echoed the sentiment that any support for Johnson would hinge on a commitment to Democratic input in governance.
While the likelihood of Johnson accepting a power-sharing arrangement with Democrats appears slim, internal tensions among conservatives demanding spending cuts add complexity to his position. Some Republicans, including Reps. Chip Roy (Texas) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.), have raised the possibility of filing a motion to vacate the Speaker’s chair if their demands are not met.
The spending debate mirrors challenges faced by McCarthy in 2023, torn between the need for compromise with Democrats to fund the government and pressure from conservatives for steep spending cuts. The specter of a motion to vacate, a rule instituted by conservatives, adds another layer of uncertainty.
Despite Johnson expressing confidence in his position, the delicate balance within the GOP majority and the absence of Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) create a scenario where a small number of Democrats could influence the outcome. Republicans argue that Democrats, by seeking concessions for their support, share responsibility for the potential chaos, drawing parallels to McCarthy’s removal.
While Democrats generally reject this argument, some express a willingness to consider supporting Johnson if he continues making bipartisan deals. The idea of a bipartisan governing coalition has been floated by Minority Leader Jeffries as a means to counter far-right threats and bring stability to the House.
In the midst of this political maneuvering, the fate of Johnson’s speakership remains uncertain, with internal GOP dynamics and the potential involvement of Democrats adding complexity to the unfolding political drama.