Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) entered his name as a candidate for Speaker of the House with the goal of rebuilding trust among the American people.

Johnson, the party's Conference Vice Chair, shared his plans in a letter to fellow Republicans.

Johnson officially enters speaker race with plan to 'restore' trust in the GOP, build majority https://t.co/Ea4U6fdYYU pic.twitter.com/58vKkD338h

— political world (@politicalxnews) October 21, 2023

The letter

“At this critical juncture, our House Republican majority must provide principled leadership,” Mr. Johnson said.

“It is our duty to chart a new path, and answer with clarity and conviction who we are, why we are here, and what we are fighting for," he added.

BREAKING: Louisiana Rep. Mike Johnson of Shreveport becomes latest Republican to seek election as Speaker of the House https://t.co/Xlbf6gifxS

— FOX 8 New Orleans (@FOX8NOLA) October 21, 2023

The battle

"Rep. Johnson is following in the footsteps of fellow Republican Congressman Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Republican Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio," Fox 8 reported.

"Both men have tried and failed to get enough votes to be elected to the U.S. House Speaker position," it continued.

Add Rep. Mike Johnson, to the growing list of House Republicans throwing their hat into the crowded ring to be the next GOP House speaker. https://t.co/jPHdGtGhT5 https://t.co/S7ssMkMvg9

— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) October 21, 2023

A team player

"Johnson, also the former chair of the Republican Study Committee, the largest panel in the House, is a socially and fiscally conservative constitutional law attorney who has been a member since 2017," Newsmax reported.

Newsmax stated that he billed himself as a "team player and a bridge-builder."

Johnson's effort is in addition to a growing number of candidates seeking the role as House Speaker. Rep Kevin Hern (R-OK) expressed his hopes to obtain the position, along with five other GOP representatives. In addition, Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) has held the support of his party.

Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-SC) continues to serve as the temporary leader after Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was ousted following a push by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL).

The controversy has since led to a situation where no Republican has been able to unite the party enough to win the role, as all but three GOP representatives are required to have enough votes to reach a majority to select the next speaker. Johnson hopes that his emphasis on uniting the party will make the difference in changing the voting situation as Republicans seek to move forward for the election year.