Representative Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, has been thrust into the spotlight once again due to his role in the attempts to overturn President Joe Biden’s electoral victory in the 2020 election. As a key figure in the efforts, Johnson led an amicus brief that was signed by over 100 House Republicans, in support of a Texas lawsuit that sought to invalidate the election results in four swing states won by Biden.
The lawsuit alleged that the four states had changed their voting rules without approval from their legislatures. Johnson actively sought support from his fellow GOP colleagues, claiming that he was acting on behalf of then-President Donald Trump. However, the lawsuit faced significant criticism from state attorneys general and legal experts, who denounced it as a “publicity stunt” filled with false and baseless allegations.
Despite the backlash, Johnson’s role in these efforts has recently resurfaced, as he aims to secure the speakership bid. He has been referred to as the leading architect behind the objections to the Electoral College, which were ultimately aimed at keeping Trump in office, even after he lost the election.
Johnson argued that certain states’ voting changes during the COVID-19 pandemic were unconstitutional and defended Republican lawmakers’ objections to the Electoral College certification. He claimed that there have been numerous objections throughout history.
However, the Supreme Court ultimately rejected Texas’ efforts to overturn the election results, stating that Texas had no legal standing to interfere in another state’s elections.
Despite the outcome of the lawsuit and the subsequent rejection by the Supreme Court, Johnson’s role in these controversial efforts has brought him renewed attention. As the nation moves forward under the Biden administration, it remains to be seen how Johnson’s involvement will impact his political career and the broader discourse surrounding election integrity.
