Johnson sends ‘Dear Colleague’ letter pushing his Speakership

House Republican Vice Chair Mike Johnson (R-La.) officially announced he is in the race for Speaker in a “Dear Colleague” letter to members on Saturday morning.

“I have been humbled to have so many Members from across our Conference reach out to encourage me to seek the nomination for Speaker,” Johnson said in his letter. “Until yesterday, I had never contacted one person about this, and I have never before aspired to the office. However, after much prayer and deliberation, I am stepping forward now.”

Johnson said he stayed out of the Speakership race before out of “admiration and respect” for the rules and the other members involved.

Several GOP members have since announced that they are running for the role, while others are going to spend the weekend making calls about potentially entering the race.

The next nominee will be the third in 17 days, after a historic vote ousted former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) was first nominated for the position, but resistance to his candidacy forced him to withdraw his name a day later.

Republicans voted Friday to no longer back Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) as its second Speaker nominee, a decision that came after Jordan failed to earn enough votes to secure the gavel three times on the House floor.

In his letter to fellow Republicans, Johnson said it is a critical time for the House Republican majority to provide leadership.

“As Israel is viciously attacked, Russia, China and our other adversaries are becoming more emboldened. Our national debt has surpassed $33.5 trillion, our southern border is overrun, violent crime is rampant, and the rising cost of living is crushing our constituents,” Johnson said.

As Speaker, Johnson said he will commit to several key priorities. He said he will restore trust, advance a comprehensive policy agenda, promote individual member’s strengths, engage member to work together, grow the Republican majority, among others.

“The complex role of Speaker at this time requires a team player and a bridge-builder with endless energy and a unique mix of skills and experiences,” Johnson wrote. “My extensive background in law, policy, strategic analysis, messaging, managing, networking, and building coalitions happens to have served as an uncommon preparation for the extraordinary demands of this day.”

House Republicans are set to meet behind closed doors for their candidate forum on Monday at 6:30 p.m., then will move to a nomination. The deadline for candidates to file their official bids for Speaker is Sunday at noon.