Johnson can only lose one GOP vote after Democrat Analilia Mejia sworn in
Johnson’s House Majority Narrows Further
Speaker Mike Johnson’s majority in the House has become even more fragile, with the GOP now holding a precarious lead after the swearing-in of Democrat Analilia Mejia from New Jersey. The current partisan breakdown shows 217 Republicans, 214 Democrats, one independent, and three vacant seats. Kevin Kiley, the lone independent, remains aligned with the GOP despite having officially left the party earlier this year.
Special Elections and Vacancies
Two special elections have been scheduled for June 2 and June 16, both in California. The first is expected to favor Republicans, while the second is seen as more likely to go to Democrats. The third vacant seat, located in a Republican-leaning Texas district, does not yet have a special election planned.
Historical Context of the Narrow Majority
At the beginning of the 119th Congress, the GOP’s majority was the narrowest in nearly a century, dating back to the Great Depression era. This tight margin has made it challenging for Republicans to advance legislative goals, leaving little room for error. In the November elections, the GOP secured 220 seats, while Democrats won 215, marking the closest division since the 1930s.
Legislative Challenges and Ties
Passing bills in the House requires a majority of all voting members. The critical threshold is 218 votes if all 435 seats are filled, but this can shift with vacancies or absences. A tie vote results in a failure. The last time a House minority held 215 or more seats was after the 1930 elections, when Republicans had 218, Democrats 216, and the Farmer-Labor Party one seat. The 72nd Congress, which began in March 1931, saw the House margin narrow further by December, with one vacancy due to a Republican’s death.
Struggles in Uniting the GOP Conference
Despite the narrow majority, the GOP has occasionally managed to pass significant legislation. Notably, they enacted Trump’s tax and spending cuts in July. However, this achievement came with challenges, as two Republicans—Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania—defected, voting with Democrats against the measure.
Updated Story
This story and headline have been updated with additional developments. The report is based on contributions from CNN’s Veronica Stracqualursi and Zach Wolf.
