Republicans panic about post-Mike Johnson meltdown
Threats to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) are struggling to gain traction as his Republican colleagues fear the oblivion that would follow.
Why it matters: House Republicans are vocal about not wanting to repeat last fall’s chaotic, protracted speaker vacancy, with many acknowledging there may be no alternative to the current speaker.
- One House Republican told Axios any vacancy would “devolve” into chaos, with “nobody” seen as prepared to step into Johnson’s shoes.
- “There is no one,” the lawmaker said, warning that some centrist Republicans may even “go with [Democratic Leader] Hakeem [Jeffries].”
State of play: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) introduced a motion to vacate against Johnson last month, the first step towards triggering a vote to remove him as speaker.
- Greene has said a vote on Ukraine aid – which Johnson has pledged to hold – would be the catalyst for her to force a vote.
- That Ukraine aid vote could come as soon as next week, GOP sources told Axios.
- Republicans hold just a two-vote majority in the House, but Democrats have said they would likely rescue Johnson – especially if he held a Ukraine aid vote.
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