Briefs

Johnson re-elected as House speaker, edging out Jeffries

January 3, 2025 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-Brooklyn, talks with reporters outside the White House. Photo: Andrew Harnik/AP

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Louisiana Rep. Mike Johnson was re-elected to the House speakership on Friday afternoon after the first round of ballots, as thousands watched live on C-SPAN. Out of 434 ballots, Johnson received 218 votes, narrowly edging out Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-8), who received 215 votes. Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer received one vote. House members can now proceed with official business. Jeffries introduced Johnson as House speaker, calling him a “God-fearing man.”

“There is a season and a time for every matter under heaven,” Jeffries said, quoting the Bible. “The American people need us in this season to put down our partisan swords and pick up our nonpartisan plowshares. It’s time for us to come together, not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans, to get things done for the people.”

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