Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) has seen his favorability rating drop six points since April, according to a recent Rasmussen Reports poll.
The survey, conducted among 1,454 likely U.S. voters, revealed that only 38 percent view Johnson at least somewhat favorably, down from 44 percent in April. Among those, just 14 percent have a “very” favorable opinion. On the other hand, 36 percent view him at least somewhat unfavorably, with 19 percent holding a “very” unfavorable view. An additional 27 percent of respondents remain uncertain.
Partisan divides are evident: 54 percent of Republicans view Johnson at least somewhat favorably, compared to just 25 percent of Democrats and 35 percent of independents. Conversely, 48 percent of Democrats have at least a somewhat unfavorable view, alongside 20 percent of Republicans and 38 percent of independents.
When asked to compare Johnson to recent House speakers, including his predecessor Kevin McCarthy, 41 percent of respondents said Johnson is “about the same.” Twenty-four percent believe he is worse, while 20 percent think he is better. While most Democrats, Republicans, and independents think Johnson is “about the same,” 33 percent of Democrats view him as worse, along with 26 percent of independents and 13 percent of Republicans.
The poll, conducted December 22-23 and 26, 2024, has a margin of error of ±3 percent.
This polling follows Johnson’s handling of a controversial spending bill, which passed with unanimous Democratic support but faced sharp criticism from Republicans. As reported by Breitbart News:
“The third time was a charm for Johnson, whose funding bill negotiated with Democrats collapsed earlier this week after Republicans from all ideological corners opposed the substance and style of the deal Johnson negotiated.”
Republicans criticized Johnson for working closely with Democrats while sidelining his own party members, attaching numerous Democratic priorities to a continuing resolution, and presenting the bill at the last minute.
These leadership concerns loom as Johnson faces a January 3, 2025, roll call vote for Speaker of the House. Some lawmakers have expressed openness to supporting an alternative candidate. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) has been particularly vocal, stating he will not back Johnson in the upcoming vote.
“I will vote for someone other than Mike Johnson. I’m not persuaded by the ‘Hurry up and elect him so we can certify the election on J6’ argument,” Massie said, referencing a poll indicating that many believe Congress should elect a new Speaker.
He added, “A weak legislative branch, beholden to the swamp, will not be able to achieve the mandate voters gave Trump and Congress in November.”
I will vote for someone other than Mike Johnson. I’m not persuaded by the “hurry up and elect him so we can certify the election on J6” argument. A weak legislative branch, beholden to the swamp, will not be able to achieve the mandate voters gave Trump and Congress in November. pic.twitter.com/vrD3l45XDX
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) December 27, 2024
