It took four nominees and numerous tries after Rep. Kevin McCarthy's (R-Calif.) ouster from the U.S. Speaker of the House post earlier this year, but the U.S. House of Representatives came together on Wednesday to elect U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) to fill the vacancy.
The vote for Johnson was along party lines, 220-209, which included Alabama's entire Republican delegation voting for Johnson and its lone Democrat U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) voting for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).
"Congratulations to my good friend, Mike Johnson, on becoming the 56th Speaker of the House," U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) said in a statement after the election. "Speaker Johnson is a man of faith and conviction, and it has been a pleasure serving with him on the House Judiciary Committee. I was proud to support him on the House floor. I look forward to working with him as Speaker to secure our border, push back against the Biden administration and the Democrats' radical agenda, and restore fiscal sanity to Washington."
Moore's colleague, U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville), also praised the election of Johnson.
"Mike Johnson is not only a strong conservative but is also a strong Christian. He will unite our conference and lead us with conviction," Strong said. "I've had the opportunity to work with Mike as a colleague on the Armed Services Committee. He's a fighter and will continue fighting for what is best for national security and our men and women in uniform. Now that we have a leader in place, the House must get to work on the issues that matter to people in North Alabama: cutting wasteful spending, improving our economy, fighting woke agendas, and securing our borders."
U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover), briefly a candidate for the Speaker's vacancy, echoed his colleagues' sentiments.
"This is an important day for the country," Palmer said in a statement. "House Republicans are united behind a principled, unwavering conservative in Speaker Mike Johnson. Mike is a good friend I have worked closely with, and I know he will live out his faith in God by leading the House with honor as we serve the American people. Mike is committed to a plan of action to get our fiscal house in order, address the rampant illegal immigration at our southern border, and fill the void of leadership President Biden has left on the world stage."
"Speaker Johnson and the House Republicans are ready to work for the American people," he added.
Other members of Alabama's GOP delegation expressed their approval on social media.
Jeff Poor is the editor in chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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