On Capitol Hill, Representative Mike Johnson (R-LA) achieved the role of Speaker of the House on the first ballot this past Friday, validating a bold prediction by Republican commentator Matt Gaetz. Gaetz’s assertion just hours before the vote turned out to be accurate, bolstering his credibility in his new role.
Early Friday, Gaetz, who has transitioned from legislator to political commentator, tweeted confidently: “Mike Johnson will be elected Speaker today. On the first vote. People might like or dislike that. I’m just reporting the news.”
His prediction was met with skepticism from some, including other Republicans, as internal divisions within the GOP posed uncertainties for the voting process. Securing the Speaker’s post was a formidable challenge. Initially, Johnson was two votes short of the 218 needed, as Republican dissenters Reps. Ralph Norman (R-SC), Keith Self (R-TX), and Thomas Massie (R-KY) withheld their support. Democrats remained solid in their backing for Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), casting all their votes in his favor.
As the voting progressed, the dynamics changed when Norman and Self reversed their positions, expressing a wish to break the deadlock that had plagued the GOP-controlled House. Their change, along with Massie’s decision to abstain, lowered the majority threshold, enabling Johnson to secure his victory.
Mike Johnson will be elected Speaker today.
On the first vote.
People might like or dislike that. I’m just reporting the news.
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) January 3, 2025
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) commented, “This one has not aged well,” followed by, “In fact, it appears that mine has also not aged well.”
After receiving a community note on X, Gaetz stood by his prediction, stating, “I was correct. @CommunityNotes was mistaken. Just stating the facts.”
Johnson’s election marks a significant achievement for the Republican Party, which has struggled to present a united front since regaining control of the House. The extended efforts to elect a Speaker exposed deep divisions within the party and raised questions about its ability to govern effectively. For Matt Gaetz, this day represents a personal triumph.
The former U.S. Representative has been in the spotlight for several major events recently. In November, President-elect Trump nominated him for the position of U.S. Attorney General, prompting Gaetz to resign from Congress. However, facing ongoing allegations and doubts about his qualifications, he faced opposition from Senate Republicans and ultimately