The far-right congresswoman's ouster effort easily failed, but a handful of Republicans voted to allow debate on her motion to vacate.
Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's effort to boot Speaker Mike Johnson has officially failed after the House voted by a 359-43 margin to table the Georgia Republican's motion to vacate on Wednesday.
11 Republicans sided with Greene, voting against a procedural vote to table her motion. Basically, they voted to allow a debate on Greene's effort rather than simply quashing it.
Just two other Republicans — Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Paul Gosar of Arizona — officially cosponsored her resolution.
Seven Democrats voted "present."
Greene's move was somewhat of a surprise, with the congresswoman forcing the vote just one day after seemingly backing off of her threat.
Former President Donald Trump weighed in shortly after the vote, saying that while he "absolutely" loves Greene, he did not believe House Republicans were "in a position to voting" on the ouster bid.
Trump posts on truth to vote for the motion to table -- well after the motion to table vote wrapped. pic.twitter.com/KJU8SLQGHY
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) May 8, 2024
The far-right congresswoman's effort was long expected to fail, given Democratic leaders' decision to vote to table the motion. Ultimately, 163 Democrats did so.
32 Democrats voted with Greene, citing their opposition to Johnson's politics and their belief that Democrats should have asked for more in exchange for their votes.
I am not happy with where we are now, but would not vote to vacate the speaker at this time. However, I fought a lot to change Pelosi rules and have more accountability on the speaker in Congress, so I voted not to table the motion consistent with my vote on McCarthy last fall.
— Rep. Victoria Spartz (@RepSpartz) May 8, 2024
"I'm not going to support MTG's silliness, but I don't want to support the most homophobic speaker in American history," Democratic Rep. Mark Pocan previously told BI, referencing Johnson's opposition to LGBTQ+ rights.
It remains unclear whether Greene will continue to force votes on ousting Johnson.
Here are the 11 House Republicans who voted to advance the effort to oust Johnson:
