WASHINGTON D.C. () House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., faces a pivotal moment Friday as he fights to retain his position amid growing backlash from conservatives unhappy with his leadership style.

Despite Republican control of both chambers of Congress and the White House, Johnson’s chances for a second term rest on a razor’s edge, with opposition from within his own party.

The House speaker vote Friday is expected to be a close contest. To remain speaker, Johnson will need the support of every Republican to secure the position, as he can only afford one “no” vote from his colleagues.

Johnson faces opposition within GOP 

Ahead of the vote, Johnson is expected to make more phone calls and possibly hold more meetings to try and ease concerns fellow Republicans may have about him keeping the gavel.

has learned around a dozen Republicans are demanding commitments from Johnson for things like spending cuts and more involvement in negotiations.

President-elect Donald Trump endorsed Johnson on Monday, and Johnson expressed confidence about his chances ahead of the vote on Thursday.

“People are talking through process changes they want and those kinds of things and I’m open to that, and I think tomorrow’s going to go well,” Johnson said. “We need to stay unified so we can save the country. and I think that’s an important message.”

GOP holds slimmest House Majority since 1930

House Republicans have the slimmest majority in nearly a century, meaning Johnson can afford to lose only one Republican vote assuming all Democrats vote against him and every House member casts a vote.

Part of the uncertainty in Friday’s vote comes as Rep. Tom Massie, R-Ky., has said he plans to vote against Johnson, criticizing him for approving Ukraine aid and his approach to negotiating government spending.

Some of the key people to watch on Friday, include Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy, who has described himself and several other Republicans as undecided, as well as Indiana Republican Rep. Victoria Spartz, who called on Johnson to present a plan for implementing Trump’s agenda.

On Monday, Spartz released a list of requirements to earn her vote, including a push for spending audits.

Lastly, Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris, former Freedom Caucus Chair Scott Perry, and Congressman Andy Biggs remain undecided.

“It irritates us that these people undermine our leadership and the vast majority of us who want to get things done, but you got to optimize. You got to find consensus. If you had 220 people demanding your way on everything, you’re going to get nothing done,” said Nebraska Republican Rep. Don Bacon.

The House will remain at a standstill until a speaker is elected, and Republicans hope to avoid the turmoil surrounding former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who secured the post after 15 rounds of voting over four days in January 2023.

The longer it takes to elect the speaker, the more it could delay the certification of Trump’s election win scheduled for next Monday.