Mike Johnson to join Trump at splashy Madison Square Garden rally – Washington Examiner
Mike Johnson to join Trump at splashy Madison Square Garden rally
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) will attend former President Donald Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, according to a source familiar with his schedule, as Republicans hope Trump’s outsize presence in New York will deliver them a House majority.
Johnson has made a point of appearing with Trump since becoming speaker in October. He was the highest-ranking official to attend Trump’s Manhattan trial in May and has repeatedly visited his Mar-a-Lago resort, including to deliver remarks at a fundraiser there last week.
The event at Madison Square Garden, which will be attended by two other members of House GOP leadership, will mark Johnson’s latest show of solidarity in the closing days of the presidential race.
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), a New York lawmaker and chairwoman of the House Republican Conference, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) will also be there, according to their offices.
The event will double as a fundraiser for the Trump campaign.
Trump’s footprint in New York could be a boon for House Republicans, whose narrow majority depends on four lawmakers who flipped their seats red in 2022 getting reelected in November.
Trump himself is a long shot at winning the state, with Vice President Kamala Harris widening her lead to 19 points in the latest Siena College poll, but he’s made two other detours there in an electoral strategy that could boost turnout downballot.
In September, Trump held a rally on Long Island, home to the most competitive seats, and in May, he rallied voters in the South Bronx. The Madison Square Garden event, estimated to cost more than a million dollars, will accommodate nearly 20,000 spectators as Trump returns to his home city for the high-publicity affair.
If Republicans keep their majority next year, Johnson may need Trump’s help to win the speaker’s gavel for another term. Trump tamped down an attempt to oust Johnson in May by hard liners in his conference.
Should Trump win the presidency, his influence could also prove pivotal in the brewing race to succeed Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in the Senate.
Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-SD) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), the two front-runners in that contest, have attempted to patch up their rocky pasts with Trump this cycle and have fundraised on his behalf.
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