Congressman Mike Johnson looking to become Speaker of the House as vacancy extends to third week

(Washington, D.C.) -- House Republican leaders are hopeful their conference can unite and elect Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson to be the next Speaker today.  

Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy this morning called Johnson a fighter and principled conservative who has his full support. Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Majority Whip Tom Emmer also endorsed Johnson hours before a full vote on the floor. Johnson clinched the nomination from is party last night hours after Emmer dropped out of the race.  

The House has been without a leader for more than three weeks after McCarthy was pushed out of the role by a group of conservatives and democrats.