FOLLOW US

After the short-lived and controversial House speakership of former US Rep. Kevin McCarthy, current House Speaker Mike Johnson took over.

Johnson was expected to steer the ship in a House of Representatives with an increasingly narrow Republican majority. Though following congressional elections this November, the GOP could lose its majority in the lower chamber altogether.

Despite all that's at stake, Johnson's speakership hasn't been smooth sailing. Some Republicans in the House have gone after him for backing Ukraine aid and opposing a FISA change that would direct government agencies to acquire warrants before surveilling Americans.

Matters in the House have become so contentious that Johnson's facing formal efforts to have him ousted. Yet, as all this transpires, his popularity with Democrats is also on the rise.

Here's what Americans have to say about Speaker Johnson

Per Monmouth University, a staggering 55% of the country has no opinion on whether Johnson should remain as House Speaker or leave the position. However, of those who do hold an opinion, 25% don't believe he should leave. Only 20% believe the opposite.

At the same time, Johnson's approval rating has increased to 21%, following his support of a foreign aid deal including funds for both Israel and Ukraine. Yet, 34% of the country still disapproves of the House Speaker's job performance.

Among party lines, 12% of Democrats view Johnson favorably, marking a 3% increase from just four months prior. 19% of Republicans do not approve of Johnson; this shakes out to a 5% increase in GOP disapproval since late 2023.

It may not matter in several month's time

When the 118th congressional session first began, House Republicans carried only 222 seats to Democrats' 213 seats.

Since then, they've lost multiple seats between the ouster of George Santos and the resignations of McCarthy and Rep. Bill Johnson. At the same time, various House GOP members, like Rep. Ken Buck, have announced they will not seek reelection in 2024.

Democrats, sensing blood in the water, are hoping they'll win enough district races across the country to retake the lower chamber. If this happens, it won't matter where Johnson's favorability stands, as a Democrat-controlled House will elect a Democratic House Speaker.