During the recent House Speaker election, three GOP members opted to skip their turn to vote, creating a sense of anticipation regarding Mike Johnson's ability to secure the necessary votes on the first ballot. The members in question, namely Andy Biggs, Andrew Clyde, and Michael Cloud, chose not to cast their votes when called upon, although they will have another opportunity to do so at the end of the roll call.
Andy Biggs, standing alongside fellow Freedom Caucus members Andrew Clyde and Andy Harris, remained silent and motionless as his name was read out by the clerk. In contrast, Rep. Sheri Biggs of South Carolina openly supported Johnson, referring to him as 'Trump's endorsed candidate,' a sentiment that garnered applause from other members present.
Prior to the voting process, Rep. Tim Burchett hinted at the possibility of a prolonged speaker contest without revealing his stance. Burchett, who had previously played a role in the removal of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, engaged in discussions with Rep. Nancy Mace before ultimately voting for Johnson.
Lauren Boebert, another GOP representative, expressed her support for Johnson by urging him not to disappoint as she cast her vote. Additionally, Eric Burlison, who had been undecided until the last moment, also chose to back Johnson during the initial ballot.
The unfolding dynamics within the chamber suggest a mix of strategic positioning and personal convictions among the members, hinting at a potentially protracted and closely contested speaker election process. As the roll call progresses, the suspense surrounding the final outcome continues to mount, with each vote playing a crucial role in determining the next House Speaker.
