Even as Republicans are increasingly optimistic that they’ll keep control of the House, some conservatives remain wary of Mike Johnson — and they’re discussing how to telegraph their concerns in this week’s secret leadership ballot.
With numerous races still outstanding, Johnson seems close to a major victory: Holding the tiny GOP majority, after a campaign season where he tied himself closely to President-elect Donald Trump and campaigned heavily for his at-risk members.
Still, some House Republicans are mulling ways to signal their potential opposition to Johnson’s bid on the secret ballot, according to two Republicans familiar with the discussions, who were granted anonymity to talk about private plans.
Johnson is expected to easily clear the majority hurdle needed to become the speaker nominee in that meeting Wednesday. But conservatives could field a candidate to run against him for the speaker nod or may try to oppose him or vote present in the secret ballot.
