Liberty University congratulates the 56th Speaker of the House Mike Johnson

Liberty University congratulates Louisiana Congressman and Helms School of Government Professor Mike Johnson, who was elected the 56th Speaker of the House on Wednesday, Oct. 25. Johnson became the fourth nominee for speaker in three weeks by winning the nomination on Tuesday evening and won the speakership with 220 votes from the floor on Wednesday.

“On behalf of the Liberty University family, I extend congratulations to one of our own, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson,” said Liberty President Dondi Costin. “The challenging days in which we live require robust, principle-centered leadership in every quarter, especially among our elected representatives in Washington. I am praying for Speaker Johnson and his family as he leads with the conviction, compassion, and courage required for such a time as this.”

“I am thankful to hear that a good and godly man has been elected to become the 56th Speaker of the House. His reputation for putting his Christian faith and family first in his daily life and decision-making is both admirable and wise,” said Liberty Chancellor and Campus Pastor Jonathan Falwell. “I know Speaker Johnson has immediate challenges and burdens he will have to face on Capitol Hill. I am calling on the entire Liberty family to pray wisdom and courage for him and for all those who lead in D.C.”

In his first public address before the House, Speaker Johnson said that his first measure would be a resolution supporting Israel amid its war against Hamas. He also stated: “I believe that Scripture, the Bible, is very clear: that God is the one who raises up those in authority. He raised up each of you – all of us.” In his speech, Johnson noted the motto in the chamber, “In God We Trust,” was a stern rebuke of atheistic Communism during the height of the Cold War and that America was the only nation to be founded on a creed when referencing our inalienable rights given by our creator.

Mike Johnson is a native of Shreveport, LA, and a two-time graduate of Louisiana State University with a B.A. in Business and a Juris Doctor. Johnson has previously served as legal counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom. In 2015, he founded Freedom Guard, a non-profit legal ministry to defend people and institutions of faith. He has represented Answers in Genesis against opposition to the development of the Noah’s Ark theme park in Northern Kentucky.

Mike and Kelly Johnson have been married for over 20 years and have four children. Mike has said, “My faith informs everything I do.” Kelly is also a licensed Christian counselor. They are both members of Cypress Baptist Church in Benton, LA, and host a ministry podcast called “Truth Be Told,” which focuses on topics and current events from a Christian worldview.