The race for Speaker of the House following Kevin McCarthy’s ouster took a dramatic turn on Friday, October 27, 2023, with former President Donald Trump playing a pivotal role in securing the speakership for Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La. The day’s events showcased the continuing influence of Trump within the Republican Party, as he personally intervened to sway the votes of dissenting members, even while engaging in a round of golf. The episode also highlighted the internal divisions within the GOP, as several members initially resisted supporting Johnson, necessitating a concerted effort to unify the party behind a single candidate.
Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., one of the initial holdouts, revealed that he received multiple calls from Trump urging him to support Johnson. Norman recounted his first conversation with Trump, noting the former President’s surprising admission, “Look, I’m in the middle of a golf game.” This detail underscores Trump’s informal approach to politics, demonstrating his willingness to engage in political maneuvering even during leisure activities. Norman’s subsequent statement, “We’re with you now,” suggests that Trump’s endorsement carried significant weight, ultimately persuading Norman to switch his vote and support Johnson. The casual setting of the conversation further emphasizes the personal nature of Trump’s influence within the party.
Trump’s involvement extended beyond Rep. Norman, as he also contacted Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, engaging in what Self described as “lively discussions” to secure his support for Johnson. This multi-pronged approach demonstrates Trump’s active participation in the speakership race, actively working the phones to consolidate support for his preferred candidate. The fact that Trump reached out to multiple dissenting members underscores his commitment to ensuring Johnson’s victory. It also suggests a level of strategic thinking, recognizing the need to address individual concerns and secure the necessary votes to achieve the desired outcome.
The role of Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., in facilitating communication between Trump and the dissenting members further highlights the intricate network of relationships within the Republican Party. By connecting Trump with Norman and Self, Mace acted as a crucial intermediary, facilitating the conversations that ultimately led to the shift in votes. This demonstrates the importance of personal connections and back-channel communication in navigating internal party dynamics and achieving consensus.
The initial vote count revealed the extent of the division within the Republican ranks, with three members – Self, Norman, and Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky. – voting against Johnson. This initial resistance put Johnson’s speakership bid in jeopardy, highlighting the precarious nature of the situation. The fact that these members were willing to publicly defy party leadership and potentially jeopardize Johnson’s chances demonstrates the depth of their concerns and the challenges in achieving party unity.
However, the unfolding drama did not lead to a protracted battle for the speakership. While House leaders initially delayed the formal closing of the vote to strategize and secure the necessary support, a second vote proved unnecessary. Through a combination of Trump’s interventions and internal negotiations, the Republican Party managed to coalesce around Johnson, ultimately securing his victory in the first round. This swift resolution of the situation, albeit after a period of uncertainty, prevented a prolonged and potentially damaging public display of division within the Republican Party. The successful navigation of this delicate situation demonstrates the ability of the party to resolve internal disagreements and ultimately unite behind a single candidate.
