Newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks during a press conference after his election at the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 25, 2023.Newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks during a press conference after his election at the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 25, 2023.After weeks of uncertainty, House Republicans elected Louisiana Rep. Mike Johnson, a conservative Christian who opposes abortion rights and same-sex marriages, to become House speaker.
His election means two of the top leadership positions in the House — speaker and majority leader — will be filled by Louisianans. Republican Rep. Steve Scalise, who dropped his bid for speaker two weeks ago, is currently the House majority leader. "My office is going to be known for members being more involved and having more influence in our processes," he said.