Mike Johnson re-elected US House Speaker

Republican Mike Johnson survived a razor-thin vote to remain House Speaker in a drama-filled, highly-anticipated vote that marked the start of complete Republican control in Washington, BBC reported.

Johnson could only afford to lose two votes because of the tight margin of control Republicans have in Congress. While he came close to losing re-election, he survived the vote after some lobbying.

President-elect Donald Trump previously endorsed Johnson for the role of House speaker, saying “a win for Mike today will be a big win for the Republican Party”.

The House Speaker is one of the most powerful posts in Washington, controlling the lower chamber of the US Congress, and second in line to the presidency after the vice president.

Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, was backed by nearly all Republicans in his bid for re-election.

But that success was not without some controversary.

The vote for Speaker requires a candidate to receive the support of a majority of the House - 218 votes. But because of a razor-thin Republican majority in the House, Johnson could only stand to face opposition from two Republicans.

Friday marked the first day of the 119th Congress. Republicans have unified control of Washington, with majorities in both the House and Senate and with Trump returning to the White House later in January.

During his acceptance speech, Johnson said that this Congress would champion the idea of America first - a slogan promoted by Trump.

After Trump’s re-election, he said Americans are demanding their interests are put first again.