Johnson wins second term as House speaker

Bauer "It was encouraging today to see Republicans keeping their eye on the ball, which is needed in these weeks ahead to quickly move forward on the Trump agenda. He [the president-elect] has a major mandate: the American people want Gary Bauer, chairman Campaign for Working Families Schilling "Since receiving the gavel, Speaker Johnson has been a staunch ally of American families …. While so many past GOP congressional leaders have been easily bullied by the far-left propaganda machine, [he] has shown an admirable willingness to reject the intimidation and stand strong on principle. We congratulate the speaker on his reelection today, and we look forward to working with him in the coming weeks to advance President Trump’s bold, pro-family legislative agenda." Terry Schilling, president American Principles Project

After the first ballot was counted, Johnson was a few votes short of re-election.

But after some back room negotiations, two of three Republicans who initially voted against Johnson switched their votes to give Johnson the 218 votes he needed.

Newly-elected House lawmakers started casting votes as Johnson's name was put forward for nomination by the GOP Conference Chair Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich.

“No speaker's perfect,” she said. But the goal is to make progress toward shared priorities for the country, she said. “None of us will get exactly what we want.”

In accepting the gavel for a second term, Johnson called it the great honor of his life to serve in the role of House speaker.

He says putting Americans and America first will be a cornerstone of the 119th Congress.

Johnson says the number one priority will be securing the country's borders.