House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) told host KellyAnne Conway on Monday on Hannity that he has the votes to remain Speaker despite Republicans' slim majority.

“To become speaker again, or remain speaker, it’s not a matter of biology or chemistry or art, it’s math, do you have the votes?” Fox News anchor Kellyanne Conway asked Johnson.

“I think we do, Kellyanne. I’m really humbled and honored to have President Trump’s endorsement for speaker again. He and I work so well together, so closely together, and we have a lot of big things to do,” Johnson said. “He recognizes that what we need right now, I think my colleagues recognize this as well, is a proven fighter and a true MAGA conservative, but also someone who can work with every single member of our very diverse House GOP so we can get President Trump’s priorities over the line.”

At least two Republicans, Reps. Thomas Massie (KY) and Victoria Spartz (IN) have said they won't vote for Johnson.

Slim majority

With only a one-vote majority, Johnson will need support from at least a few Democrats in order to keep his position.

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) has pledged to oppose any effort to get rid of Johnson, and all Democrats supported the recent spending package that kept the government operational until March.

No one really wants to see another Speakership battle like the one that occurred when far-right conservatives toppled Kevin McCarthy in October 2023.

It took four rounds of voting for Johnson to emerge from the pack, but he has held onto the gavel through some rough periods and looks to do so again in the new term.

Support from Democrats

Johnson said he is open to support from Democrats.

“We’re certainly open to bipartisanship and having Democrats come along to help us. I think we are going to attract some of those. I think some of them may even be wondering whether or not they should switch parties right now,” Johnson said. “So this is a great time for the Republican Party, not great to be a Democrat. They’re in total disarray. They have no leader, and they have no vision going forward. So this is a real moment for us, and we’re going to deliver.”

Johnson is far more conservative than McCarthy was, but some Republican hardliners are just not happy with anyone that works with the other side.

Practically speaking, though, Johnson had to have some bipartisan support since the Senate had a Democrat majority.

It's just not realistic to keep to a hard line all the time, and a small number of Republicans don't seem to understand this.

Johnson is the best bet Republicans have right now, and it's time to back him up rather than stab him in the back.