Rep. Mike Johnson does not appear to have enough votes to win re-election as House Speaker in the 119th Congress. He was losing the vote 216-215, with 3 Republicans voting against him. All of the Democrats voted for Hakeem Jeffries, while Republican Rep. Ralph Norman voted for Rep. Jim Jordan, Republican Rep. Tom Massie cast his vote for Rep. Tom Emmer, and Republican Rep. Keith Self voted for Rep. Byron Donalds.

However, the vote has not been officially gaveled closed. Johnson has left the chamber and is meeting privately with Republicans on a path forward.

According to CNN, because the House has not adopted formal rules, the only way to take a break from the proceedings would be to call for a vote of the entire chamber to adjourn. By holding the vote open, it allows the Republicans to take a break and work out a path forward.

Until the vote is officially closed, members can change their votes.

The vote comes amid a backdrop of political maneuvering, with President-elect Donald Trump endorsing Johnson. Trump expressed his support on Truth Social, calling Johnson "a fine man of great ability."

The outcome of the vote is crucial for the Republican Party, as it will determine their ability to govern effectively in the House. With a slim majority, every vote counts, and the party is keen to avoid the drawn-out process that occurred during former Speaker Kevin McCarthy's election, which took 15 rounds of voting.

Prior to the vote, the Republicans were confident that Johnson would ultimately prevail, expecting only a few rounds of voting.

Bob Lonsberry