This past week, Louisiana’s Mike Johnson became the 56th speaker of the House, bringing an end to a long ordeal for Republicans. While many people may not be familiar with Johnson, a closer look at his ideological record reveals that he is aligned with the current conservative trajectory of the Republican Party, albeit somewhat closer to the center.
Conservative Stance and Defense of Donald Trump
Johnson is known for his staunch defense of former President Donald Trump and his involvement in efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 election. However, it is important to note that the majority of general election voters consider Joe Biden as the legitimate winner of that election. Among Republicans, however, a substantial number believe otherwise, with 60% stating that Biden’s win was not legitimate.
Abortion Position and Alignment with Republican Majority
Johnson has faced criticism for his views on abortion, co-sponsoring a bill that seeks to prohibit abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected. While a majority of Americans oppose such legislation, a majority of Republicans support it. Johnson’s stance on this issue aligns with the mainstream opinion within his party, as evidenced by similar legislative actions in Southern states.
Conservatism within the House Republican Conference
Aggregate statistics compiled by Voteview provide insight into Johnson’s voting record since entering the House in 2017. His record indicates that he is more conservative than 63% of his Republican colleagues, placing him in the middle third of the House Republican Conference. Johnson has consistently voted with the Republican majority, aligning with them 94% of the time.
Republican Shift towards Conservatism
The overall conservative shift within the Republican Party is evident when comparing current members to those of the past. The party has become more conservative as a whole, and figures like Johnson reflect this shift. However, it is worth noting that Republicans’ increasing conservatism is mirrored by Democrats’ growing liberalism.
In conclusion, Mike Johnson’s alignment with the current GOP stands as he assumes the role of Speaker of the House. While he may not fully represent the median general election voter, his positions fall within the mainstream of the Republican Party today.</p
