U.S. Representative Jodey Arrington (R-Lubbock) expressed his support for U.S. Representative Mike Johnson (R-LA) as the new House Speaker, stating that Johnson is the "right person at the right time." Arrington, who has known Johnson for a long time, described him as "a man of integrity, a principled conservative, and a courageous leader."
In a statement shared on social media, Arrington said, "He is the right person at the right time to reunite our conference, restore trust in our institution, and refocus us on our mission to restore freedom and return power back to We the People." He concluded with, "May God bless America, and the 56th Speaker of the People's House."
According to a report from Fox News, Johnson secured the position of House Speaker with a 220-209 House floor vote. Prior to Johnson's election, the role had been temporarily filled by U.S. Representative Patrick McHenry (R-NC), who took over from California Republican Kevin McCarthy.
Johnson, 51, expressed his gratitude for assuming the role of the 56th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, calling it "the honor of a lifetime." He thanked his colleagues, friends, staff, and family for their unwavering support throughout the process.
Johnson's congressional district represents approximately 760,000 residents across 16 parishes in the northwest and western regions of Louisiana, according to his congressional biography.
Arrington had been a vocal supporter of Johnson's bid for the Speakership. In an October 24 press release, Arrington commended Johnson's dedication to the country, saying, "Mike doesn't have a self-promoting bone in his body, but that brother has a fire shut up in those bones to fight for this country."