Three-quarters of senior Hill staffers say Speaker Mike Johnson is ineffective in his role, according to our recent survey, The Canvass Capitol Hill.
In all, 58% of Republicans and, unsurprisingly, 91% of Democrats were doubtful of Johnson’s ability to lead the House.
When we polled K Street leaders on the same issue in January, the numbers were better for Johnson, with 56% of Democratic downtowners and 25% of Republicans saying he was ineffective.
The survey results come as Johnson is facing multiple crucial challenges, including government funding and whether to send aid to Ukraine. Congress will move this week on the first six FY2024 funding bills. But the remaining six bills — which need to be adopted by March 22 — are more complicated.
Much like his predecessor, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Johnson has struggled to appease his unruly right flank. Plus, Johnson has very little room to maneuver on votes now that the House GOP majority has shrunk to 219 members.
Still, there is a silver lining for the speaker. Unlike McCarthy, most senior Hill staffers (57%) think Johnson will keep his job as speaker through the end of this Congress.
The Canvass Capitol Hill was conducted Feb. 5-23 in partnership with independent public affairs firm LSG.
Want to take part in The Canvass? Our survey provides anonymous monthly insights from top Capitol Hill staffers and K Street leaders on key issues facing Washington. Sign up here if you work on K Street. Click here to sign up if you’re a senior congressional staffer.
— Donna Baeck
