Republican Mike Johnson has been re-elected Speaker of the US House of Representatives after a dramatic vote

Republican Mike Johnson narrowly won re-election as speaker of the US House of Representatives on the first ballot on Friday, overcoming far-right opposition to the GOP after a tense battle and buoyed by a nod of support from US President-elect Donald Trump.

The restless scene brought an ominous start to the first day of the new Congress. A small group of die-hard Republicans gathered in the back of the House chamber, one by one refusing to vote or choosing another representative for the seat.

Johnson’s face turned grim, acknowledging fresh turmoil and signaling trouble in the face of unified Republican control of Washington.

In the end, however, Johnson was able to flip the two remaining candidates who supported him, drawing applause from Republicans. The total was 218-215.

In his first speech, Johnson promised to “reject business as usual” as Republicans take power.

“We will drastically reduce the size and scope of government,” he promised.

A tense scene during a normally festive day

Johnson’s weak hammer grip has threatened not only his own survival, but also Trump’s ambitious agenda of tax cuts and mass deportations as Republicans rise to power. Even his close alliance and the support of Trump himself, usually a safe bet for Republicans, are no guarantee that Johnson will return to his role as Speaker of the House.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jefferies has sought to overcome Republican unrest over the past two years, saying it’s time to unite and put partisan politics aside “to get things done” for Americans.

What was once a ceremonial day with newly elected lawmakers arriving to take the oath of office, often with family, friends and children in tow, has turned into a high-stakes vote for the Speaker of the House, one of the most powerful elected positions in Washington. Vice President Kamala Harris swore in senators.

While the Senate can convene on its own and has already chosen party leaders — Sen. John Thune as the Republican majority leader and Sen. Chuck Schumer for the Democratic minority — the House of Representatives must first elect its president, a role required by the U.S. Constitution, second in the line of presidential succession.

With opposition from his own Republican colleagues, Johnson arrived at the Capitol with outward confidence after working late into the night to sway hardliners. Johnson’s failure could throw congressional confirmation of Trump’s 2024 election victory into a tailspin on Monday without a House speaker.