Newly-elected U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson is not just the first from Louisiana to hold the position but also the first LSU alumnus.
Johnson, who represents Louisiana’s fourth congressional district, graduated from the E.J. Ourso College of Business with a degree in business administration in 1995 and a law degree from the LSU Law Center in 1998, according to the university.
His election marks an unexpected rise for the Shreveport native, as the former vice chair of the Republican conference was a relatively minor member of the Republican leadership circle leading up to the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy by conservative rebels.
READ MORE: LOUISIANA REP. MIKE JOHNSON BECOMES SPEAKER OF U.S. HOUSE
After multiple rounds of closed-door voting over three weeks, only Johnson was able to unify the Republican hardliners and moderates to secure the speakership Wednesday.
“It has been an arduous few weeks, and a reminder that the House is as complicated and diverse as the people we represent,” Johnson said in a post to X, formerly known as Twitter. “The urgency of this moment demands bold, decisive action to restore trust, advance our legislative priorities, and demonstrate good governance. Our House Republican Conference is united, and eager to work.”
Memorial Tower reflects in a window on Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, at the LSU Law Center on Highland Road in Baton Rouge, La.
