GOP speakership nod down to two: Emmer and Johnson

After a barrage of secret ballots, House Republicans have narrowed their crowded field for the speakership nomination down to two contenders: Tom Emmer and Mike Johnson.

The conference now heads into a final vote after eliminating five other candidates. Whoever secures a simple majority would become the GOP’s third speaker nominee in three weeks. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) withdrew his name from consideration voluntarily after the fourth ballot, when he risked elimination regardless given that he tied for last place.

It’s still unclear if either Emmer or Johnson can reach the necessary 217 votes to win the gavel on the House floor.

But the final ballot essentially represents a popularity contest between two party leaders, as Emmer (R-Minn.), the GOP whip, squares off against Johnson, the vice chair of the conference and former chair of the Republican Study Committee.