House Speaker Mike Johnson wins in a landslide

Louisiana voters sent Speaker Mike Johnson back to the House, where his next challenge will be retaining the top job if Republicans hold the majority.

SHREVEPORT, La. — Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson won an easy re-election victory in the 4th Congressional District on Tuesday night, focusing on retaining the top job in Congress if the GOP retains its slim majority in the House.

With a majority of early votes cast, Johnson secured 85% of the vote, while his Republican challenger Joshua Morott received 14%.

“We are optimistic about the future,” Johnson told supporters at his election night party in Shreveport. “I believe America's best days are ahead of us.” Johnson said he would leave Shreveport after the party to fly to Mar-a-Lago in Florida to support former President Donald Trump.

Johnson's unexpected ascension to speaker a year ago came as he emerged as a compromise solution after weeks of chaos following the ouster of former California Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Since then, he has been on a roll both in the House and on the road, fighting to ensure Republican colleagues defend their seats and raising money to support them.

“Every minute since I got the hammer has been full,” Johnson said in a previous exclusive interview with USA Today Network. “There was no downtime at all.”

But Johnson said he has embraced the new responsibilities and relentless schedule.

“I get up every day excited and enjoy the opportunity that is presented to me,” he said. “I see this as an opportunity for renewal and restoration and am excited to help lead the country in that direction.”

Johnson survived a formal challenge to his speakership in May by a handful of renegade Republicans led by Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and received a vote of confidence when the House voted overwhelmingly to reject Greene's attempt to fire him.

“Hopefully this is the end of the personality politics and frivolous character assassination that have characterized the 118th Congress,” Johnson said after surviving the threat to his job.

Johnson could face another challenge to his position as speaker when the new Congress convenes in 2025. But he has worked hard to solidify his support with his whirlwind campaign tour.

Since becoming speaker – the first in Louisiana history – Johnson has traveled to more than 210 cities and 40 states for campaign events.

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.

Louisiana voters sent Speaker Mike Johnson back to the House, where his next challenge will be retaining the top job if Republicans hold the majority.

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