By admin 
Friday marks the start of a new U.S. Congress, with faces representing many communities across the country. But a new Congress also means a new voice for the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Historically, it is a relatively simple process. But this year, simplicity isn’t guaranteed.
That’s partly because of what happened two years ago, when it took 22 days and 15 rounds of voting for House Republicans to elect a speaker.
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This year, current Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson is favored to win and retain the gavel, as he has done the support of newly elected President Donald Trump. However, winning is not certain due to the narrow Republican majority in the House.
Currently, Republicans have a 220-215 majority in the House of Representatives. But when it comes time to vote Friday, that majority will shrink to 219-215, as former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz has already indicated he will not serve out the term he was elected to in November.
Speaker Johnson said Thursday that this means he can only afford a handful of votes if he hopes to be elected chairman on the first ballot.
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While Johnson is confident he will prevail, the reality is that more than a few Republican lawmakers have expressed doubts about Johnson’s chances in recent weeks.
In the meantime, a protracted battle for the speaker has potentially major consequences. The House of Representatives can’t do anything without a speaker, and it could jeopardize Monday’s Electoral College certification process.