The new unified Republican Party will have to confront its chaotic impulses

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Los Angeles) speaks to Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump as he takes the stage at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden on October 27, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Nothing unites elected Republicans like Donald Trump telling them what to do. With decisive victories at the presidential and Senate levels and a favorable chance of maintaining a House majority in as-yet-uncalled races, the GOP leadership structure is expected to enter 2025 without the turmoil witnessed during the 118th Congress. Their boss is back.

Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Majority Whip Tom Emmer have already circulated letters expressing their intention to remain in their positions. House Republicans held a members-only conference call this morning during which members of the current Republican leadership emerged victorious and reaffirmed their calls to remain in power. Johnson touted his capabilities on campaign trips and fundraisers. While we are still awaiting the results of a number of races in California and elsewhere, NRCC Chairman Rich Hudson expressed confidence that when everything is settled, Republicans will have a clear majority in the House. He expects them to add one or two seats to what they already had in 2023-24.

In his letterJohnson emphasized “united Republican government,” essentially imploring his fellow Republicans to stick together and not repeat the spectacles that plagued the 118th Congress.