Republican Rep. Chip Roy expressed doubts on Tuesday about House Speaker Mike Johnson securing enough votes to retain his leadership position in Friday’s election.
“I don’t believe he has the votes right now,” Roy told Fox Business, emphasizing the need for the Republican conference to unite before the vote.
The leadership challenge follows frustrations among House Republicans over the chaotic end to the 118th Congress, marked by a near government shutdown in December. The turmoil stemmed from contentious negotiations over spending bills, which drew sharp divisions within the GOP.
Roy, a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, joins at least 15 Republican representatives, per ABC News, who remain undecided on Johnson’s leadership. Among them is the caucus chair, Rep. Andy Harris, who has also withheld his support. With the resignation of Rep. Matt Gaetz, the House now comprises 434 members, leaving Johnson a narrow margin for error. He can afford to lose only one Republican vote, depending on attendance.
Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky has already stated he will not support Johnson, despite the speaker’s endorsement by President-elect Donald Trump. GOP Rep. Victoria Spartz of Indiana and others have also voiced skepticism about Johnson’s ability to lead effectively.
The divisions stem in part from the events leading up to Christmas, when Johnson faced criticism for bypassing a 72-hour rule for reviewing legislation before a vote. The rushed process aimed to avert a government shutdown, but the bipartisan funding bill failed after opposition from Trump and allies. A subsequent bill incorporating Trump’s debt ceiling demands also failed, with a compromise bill narrowly passing at the last moment.
Trump and Elon Musk have both endorsed Johnson this week, with Trump calling him a “hardworking, religious man” and Musk expressing full support. However, Roy remains concerned about the GOP’s lack of cohesion.
“What we need is a united plan to deliver for the president,” Roy said. “Right now, I don’t believe the conference has that.”
Spartz added Monday that some colleagues are quietly eyeing the speaker’s role, though they have yet to publicly oppose Johnson.
