House Speaker Mike Johnson appeared headed for defeat before two Republicans switched their vote, delivering him a majority.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) must persuade a handful of Republican lawmakers frustrated at his leadership to support him once again.

But while House Speaker Mike Johnson on Friday avoided the dayslong ordeal that his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy, endure

Only one Republican representative has confirmed that he will oppose Mike Johnson’s return as House speaker, but a few other conservatives have remained undecided.

Johnson, of Louisiana, has been working diligently to prevent defeat, spending New Year’s Day at Mar-a-Lago as he positions himself alongside Trump. The speaker often portrays himself as the “quarterback” who will be executing the political plays called by the “coach,” the president-elect.

Two holdouts were convinced to change their minds and support Johnson after all the first-ballot votes were initially cast.

As leader of the House of Representatives, the speaker controls what bills make it to the floor, appoints members to committees, signs bills, gives members permission to speak on the floor and swears in new members.