Speaker Johnson Can Now Lose Three GOP Votes and Still Pass Bills

Speaker Mike Johnson can now lose three Republican defections on party-line votes and still pass legislation. The current House partisan breakdown is 218 Republicans, 212 Democrats, one independent, and four seats vacant. California Rep.

Kevin Kiley was elected as a Republican, officially left the party earlier in 2026, and continues to caucus with the GOP. James Gallagher of California. Rep.

James Gallagher succeeds the late Rep. Doug LaMalfa. A special election in California to fill one of the remaining vacant House seats is scheduled for June 16, 2026, with Democrats favored to win. At the start of the 119th Congress, the House had the narrowest majority in nearly 100 years.

Republicans won 220 House seats in the November 2024 elections. At the start of the 119th Congress, the partisan breakdown stood at 219 Republicans to 215 Democrats because former GOP Rep.

Matt Gaetz of Florida opted not to return to Congress. Passing a bill in the House requires a majority of all members present and voting. The magic number to pass a bill is 218 if every member shows up to vote and all 435 seats are filled.

A tie vote in the House fails. The 72nd Congress officially started in March 1931 but did not convene for legislative business until December 1931.

At the official start of the 72nd Congress in March 1931, the House margin was 217 Republicans to 216 Democrats with one Farmer-Labor seat and one vacancy. According to House historical records, the 65th Congress had the closest party split in American history, with Republicans holding 215 seats and Democrats 214 and no outright majority.