Rep. Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana), who voted against certifying Joe Biden’s victory over Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election, was elected Speaker of the House on Wednesday.
Reps. Andrew Garbarino, Nick LaLota, Anthony D’Esposito, and George Santos, all Republicans from Long Island, voted for Johnson’s speakership.
The first three had voted for former Rep. Lee Zeldin on previous ballots, when Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) was running for speaker.
Johnson is a staunch conservative, having voted against both certifying the 2020 election and against establishing a national commission to investigate the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection, is anti-abortion, and has expressed opposition to LGBT+ rights, among other stances.
Nevertheless, the congressmen expressed support on the basis of Johnson understanding issues unique to Long Island.
“Congressman Mike Johnson has my support for Speaker,” Rep. Garbarino said. “I was pleased to speak with Rep. Johnson about critical issues facing Long Island. He understands how essential flood insurance and disaster relief is to coastal communities like Long Island because his home state of Louisiana faces the same challenges. He knows how important it is that we stand behind 9/11 first responders and survivors because his father was a firefighter disabled in the line of duty. He acknowledges that providing SALT relief is critical for middle-class Americans burdened by double taxation and must be addressed in any tax bill the House considers. He is a strong conservative committed to keeping the government open while Congress completes the appropriations process. Mike Johnson understands New York priorities and I look forward to working with him as the next Speaker of the House of Representatives.”
Rep. D’Esposito acknowledged policy differences between Johnson and himself, but expressed support for him.
“Speaker Johnson is a family man, intelligent legislator and proud American who has united the Republican Conference behind his bold vision of a strong, free and prosperous United States,” D’Esposito said. “This servant leader is the right man at the right time to lead our chamber as America confronts a litany of threats, including wars overseas, an unstable southern border, and a cost of living crisis. While Speaker Johnson and I won’t always agree on everything, I am confident the gentleman from Louisiana will work collaboratively with myself and my colleagues from Long Island to advance the legislative priorities of New Yorkers.”
LaLota, who had sent out numerous tweets expressing why he would not support Jim Jordan, tweeted that Johnson “understands the priorities of Long Islanders and is committed to working with me to put Long Island First. I’m proud to support him!”
Embattled Rep. George Santos, who is currently facing numerous federal charges, retweeted an individual praising Johnson for being anti-Ukraine funding, pro-life, investigating the “Biden crime family,” calling for Pelosi’s arrest, and defending former Pres. Trump in both of his impeachments.
For his part, Johnson said “I look forward to working with the Long Island members on the issues that matter most to them.”
