Challenges and Question Marks for Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House

Mike Johnson, the newly appointed speaker of the House, faces several challenges as he steps into this prominent position. Unlike his predecessor Kevin McCarthy, Johnson lacks the established relationships and experience in navigating the dynamics of leadership. He must now build connections with members on both sides of the aisle, including senators like Susan Collins, who admitted to not knowing who he was. Additionally, Johnson must effectively lead a diverse conference, which includes moderate Republicans in blue districts who face tough re-elections and require space to make difficult votes. This may prove challenging for Johnson, who leans more conservative. Furthermore, he must handle appropriations despite his lack of experience in this area. Conservative media is currently his main source for communication, creating uncertainty about his positions and decision-making. As the deadline approaches for funding the government, Johnson faces numerous question marks and hurdles to overcome.