After more twists and tumbles than a gymnast floor routine, GOP Conference Vice Chair Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana has been elected Speaker of the House. Johnson defeated Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in a 220-209 vote. Republican members, from those who rebelled against McCarthy to those who derailed Jim Jordan were on board. Even jubilant. Not a single Republican voted against Johnson.

After being named Speaker, Johnson addressed Congress and the Nation.

Before the vote, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise praised Johnson:

Mike is honest, hardworking, and principled — he is a great man and will make a great speaker. I look forward to continuing to work with my good friend to get this country back on track and deliver results for American families who deserve better from Washington.

Earlier Tuesday, Rep. Tom Emmer had been voted Speaker-designate. But that lasted only about four hours when it became clear the anti-MAGA, Soros-connected lawmaker would never garner enough support to earn the Speaker’s gavel. Later, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy floated the idea of returning as Speaker with Rep. Jim Jordan as “assistant Speaker.” But in the end, the caucus turned to Johnson, who’s serving his fourth term in Congress.

A Strong Conservative

Johnson’s bio describes a principled conservative:

Mike is a dedicated husband and father of four and an attorney who has devoted his life and career to fighting for the fundamental freedoms and traditional values that have always been a priority to the people of Louisiana. Mike spent nearly 20 years successfully litigating high profile constitutional law cases in district and appellate courts nationwide and is widely recognized as a leading defender of the right to life, religious liberty, free speech, the Second Amendment and free market principles. In his law practice, he drafted landmark legislation for many states and municipalities and provided legal counsel to members of Congress, governors, state legislatures, city councils, school boards, law enforcement agencies, ministries and non-profit organizations around the country.

He was also chairman of the Republican Study Committee, the largest conservative caucus in Congress. A key mission of the Republican Study Committee is to train young conservative staffers. Not just on the principles of conservatism, but how to maintain their political and personal principles amid the seductions of The Swamp. A former leader of that effort may be your next Speaker in charge of the administration of Capitol Hill?

Tennessee Congressman Tim Burkett, one of the eight who voted to oust McCarthy gave a colorful description of his well-regarded colleague: “I think he would be an excellent choice because… he’s very cerebral,” Burchett told reporters. “And he’s kind of a goober… but I dig that about him. There’s an old saying in east Tennessee, ‘He’s cleaner than a hound’s tooth.'”

God bless Speaker Johnson in his new position.