Staff Reports
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is facing a challenge to his leadership from some conservative members of his party, but he is finding support from the public, particularly Republicans. According to a recent survey, Johnson’s favorable rating has increased to 44%, with 87% of respondents saying he is better or equal to past speakers.
Mike Johnson's a rare Speaker – America likes him@SecretsBedard https://t.co/NfvtzAeb5Y
— Griffin Neal (@griffintweeting) April 30, 2024
Notably, Johnson’s approval rating among Republicans stands at 52%, and even 40% of Democrats and unaffiliated voters view him favorably. This level of bipartisan support is somewhat unusual in today’s political climate, especially given the current dissatisfaction with President Joe Biden.
While some conservative members, led by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), are trying to remove Johnson due to his role in passing a foreign aid bill that included funding for Ukraine, the effort is facing opposition from Democrats. Ron Bonjean, a former spokesman for a Republican House speaker and Senate majority leader, commented on the rarity of Johnson’s growing popularity, relative to Biden’s favorability.
Bonjean noted that Johnson has room to further increase his popularity and that the attempts to oust him may be backfiring with voters. Trump’s support has also been a factor in helping Johnson withstand the conservative opposition over foreign aid funding.
Overall, Johnson is receiving widespread support, as indicated by the survey results, and his ability to maintain favorability across party lines suggests that he may successfully weather this conservative challenge to his leadership.
