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In a significant political turn of events, Republican Congressman Mike Johnson from Louisiana was elected as the 56th speaker of the House on Wednesday. Johnson, representing Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District since 2017, has now become the first House speaker from the state. His election also marks him as the most junior representative to secure the position since John G. Carlisle in 1883.
Several members of the Alabama congressional delegation took to social media, specifically on X (formerly known as Twitter), to express their reactions to Johnson’s political ascent.
Rep. Robert Aderholt was among the first to congratulate Johnson, posting on X, formerly Twitter: “Congratulations to Mike Johnson, officially the 56th Speaker of the House!” Aderholt continued to show his support by also mentioning that he was proud to have cast the first vote for Johnson. He added in a statement: “He will be a strong & unifying Speaker who will fight for our shared values. There is much that must be accomplished in a short amount of time. Under his leadership, we will fund the government, secure the border, and ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself from Hamas terrorists.”
Rep. Gary Palmer, who had also made a brief run for the speaker’s position, voiced his support. On X, he mentioned: “Speaker Mike Johnson is a principled, unwavering conservative who will live out his faith in God as he serves the country. Republicans are united and ready to work for the American people.”
Speaker Mike Johnson is a principled, unwavering conservative who will live out his faith in God as he serves the country.
Republicans are united and ready to work for the American people. pic.twitter.com/pkoWcZT8lc
— Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) October 25, 2023
Rep. Mike Rogers humorously highlighted his camaraderie by tweeting: “Very excited to see my good friend and distinguished member of the ‘Mike’ caucus become Speaker of the House! Let’s Geaux @RepMikeJohnson!”
Senator Katie Britt also chimed in, expressing the Senate’s readiness to collaborate, “Congratulations Speaker Johnson! The challenges ahead for our country are great, but Senate Republicans are ready to work with you to advance sensible solutions for the American people.”
Congratulations Speaker Johnson!
The challenges ahead for our country are great, but Senate Republicans are ready to work with you to advance sensible solutions for the American people. https://t.co/fQ17eFCVW4
— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) October 25, 2023
Born on January 30, 1972, Mike Johnson has had a notable journey in politics. A graduate of Louisiana State University and its Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Johnson initially worked as an attorney before transitioning to politics. He founded Freedom Guard, aimed at representing Christian clients in lawsuits.
He started his political journey as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives in 2015, serving till 2017. Johnson has been known for contesting the 2020 presidential election results, supporting a nationwide abortion ban, and advocating against the ruling of Obergefell v. Hodges. He was the chair of the Republican Study Committee from 2019 to 2021 and vice-chair of the House Republican Conference from 2021 to 2023.
