Last week, House Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie announced their efforts to remove Speaker Mike Johnson from his position. Despite their efforts, the motion to vacate Johnson’s office failed in the House by a margin of 359-43. However, 11 House Republicans voted in favor of allowing a debate on the matter, including many Democrats who opposed Johnson’s politics.
Although Greene’s move was unexpected and somewhat surprising, only two other Republicans officially supported her resolution – Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Paul Gosar of Arizona. Former President Donald Trump expressed his support for Greene but believed that House Republicans weren’t in a position to vote on the ouster bid.
Despite initial predictions that the motion would fail due to Democratic leaders voting to table it, 163 Democrats ultimately did so. Thirty-two Democrats voted with Greene due to their opposition to Johnson’s politics and belief that Democrats should have asked for more in exchange for their votes.
It remains uncertain if Greene will continue to push for votes to oust Johnson. The 11 House Republicans who voted in favor of advancing the effort include Andy Biggs, Eric Burlison, Eli Crane, Warren Davidson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Paul Gosar, Thomas Massie, Alex Mooney, Barry Moore, Chip Roy, and Victoria Spartz.