Johnson Kept the Gavel but Faces Steep Challenges Atop Slim G.O.P. Majority

The speaker’s bid for bipartisan consensus faces the reality of a slim majority and opposition from within the Republican Party.

Speaker Johnson kept his gavel at the start of the new congressional session, but faces an uphill battle to address hot-button issues such as raising the debt limit and government funding with a narrow Republican majority and opposition from far-right members of his own party.

A Thin Margin

With a mere four-seat majority, Johnson’s ability to pass legislation will largely depend on the support of both moderate Republicans and Democrats.

The 222-212 House tally is the smallest majority for either party since the Civil War era, making it difficult for Johnson to advance his agenda without bipartisan support.

Bipartisanship Amid Partisanship

Despite voicing his desire for bipartisan consensus, the Wisconsin Republican may find himself tethered to the demands of hardline conservatives within his party, who have already shown a willingness to oppose their own leadership.

For instance, the hardline House Freedom Caucus, composed of about 50 far-right members, has already stated their opposition to raising the debt limit without spending cuts.

Upcoming Tests

Johnson’s leadership will be tested in the coming months as he navigates the dual challenges of governing with a slim majority and appeasing both moderate and conservative factions within the Republican Party.

Upcoming deadlines, such as the need to address the debt limit and government funding, will serve as critical tests of whether Johnson can find common ground and avoid government shutdowns or other disruptions.