Speaker Vote Underway - Shock Win For Relative Unknown Rep Johnson Likely

The House of Representatives is now taking a rollcall vote on the nomination of Rep Mike Johnson (R-LA) to become speaker. Livestream (C-SPAN)

• Prior to his nomination yesterday, Johnson, a policy orientated conservative, was largely unknown in broader political circles. If he is elected he will be the least experienced House Speaker in modern Congressional history. He was elected to Congress in 2017 and has held no major leadership or committee positions.
• Today, Congressional reporters have uncovered little opposition to Johnson's bid. Conservatives and moderates alike appear to have aligned on Johnson as a unity candidate who has few enemies within the caucus. Due to absences, 215 appear likely the 'magic number' required to win the gavel.
• Should Johnson win, he will have a highly complicated set of legislative goals to achieve with little time to build the staff required for the job. He has committed to passing a Continuing Resolution to avert a government shutdown, a key concession which will lower the risk of a government shutdown. Please seeprevious bulletfor his agenda.
• For more analysis of what will face Johnson see today's edition of ourMNI US Daily Brief.