The 119th Congress convenes Friday as embattled Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) fights to keep his gavel after 14 rocky months.
The House will meet at noon and must elect a Speaker before conducting any official business, legislative or otherwise. Members cannot be sworn in until after the Speaker is elected. The House cannot officially adopt its rules package either.
The Speaker must receive a majority of votes of the entire House chamber. With former Rep. Matt Gaetz not expected to take his seat, 219 Republicans will be expected to 215 Democrats. Johnson can only lose one Republican vote, if all Democrats vote for another candidate as expected.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) has made clear he will vote against Johnson come hell or high water. Johnson cannot lose another vote.
Reps. Chip Roy (R-TX) and around a dozen other members are continuing to negotiation with Johnson up until…
