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The Republican Party is bracing for a tighter majority in the new Congress, down from 220 to 219 seats with the departure of former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz. This shift means Speaker Johnson will require a total of 218 votes to keep his role, creating a precarious scenario whereby he can afford to lose only one Republican vote—assuming he is unable to garner any Democratic support.
Prominent figures within the party have already voiced their dissent, with GOP representatives such as Thomas Massie and Chip Roy expressing uncertainty regarding their support for Johnson. This hesitation highlights the underlying tensions and dissatisfaction within the ranks, as many members reflect on a series of failures that could impede the party’s agenda moving forward.