Conservatives are planning to challenge Mike Johnson, R-La., for speaker of the House during Wednesday's internal election, The Hill reported Tuesday.
They haven't decided on an alternate candidate, The Hill and Axios reported, and cautioned that the bid could fall apart.
The intent is to show opposition to Johnson's bid for reelection as speaker.
Republicans will maintain their slim majority in the House; they have won 219 seats so far with six races — five in California — yet to be called. Further, President-elect Donald Trump has tabbed at least three House Republicans for administration posts, meaning those seats, though solidly Republican, could still take months to fill.
In a Tuesday press conference, Johnson announced plans for Trump to meet with House Republicans on Wednesday morning before Trump meets with President Joe Biden at the White House.
Johnson can boast support from Trump and said Tuesday he expects to win the gavel on the first ballot in January. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy needed 15 rounds over several days to win the speakership in January 2023.
Johnson only needs to beat back a challenger by majority vote in Wednesday's internal elections.
"I am [confident]. I'm talking with everyone," Johnson said Tuesday. "I think you'll have total unity in the party."
Mark Swanson ✉
Mark Swanson, a Newsmax writer and editor, has nearly three decades of experience covering news, culture and politics.
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