House Republicans gave Mike Johnson the speaker's gavel on Friday – along with a warning. Nine GOP lawmakers at first either abstained from voting for Johnson or voted for a different person for speaker.

House Speaker Mike Johnson appeared headed for defeat before two Republicans switched their vote, delivering him a majority.

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Johnson, of Louisiana, has been working diligently to prevent defeat, spending New Year’s Day at Mar-a-Lago as he positions himself alongside Trump. The speaker often portrays himself as the “quarterback” who will be executing the political plays called by the “coach,” the president-elect.

Only one Republican representative has confirmed that he will oppose Mike Johnson’s return as House speaker, but a few other conservatives have remained undecided.

When the 119th Congress is sworn in Friday, Jan. 3, House Speaker Mike Johnson will fight for his political life — again.

As leader of the House of Representatives, the speaker controls what bills make it to the floor, appoints members to committees, signs bills, gives members permission to speak on the floor and swears in new members.

Their silence spelled trouble for Rep. Mike Johnson, who needed almost every single GOP vote in order to hold onto the gavel.