House Speaker Mike Johnson appeared headed for defeat before two Republicans switched their vote, delivering him a majority.

The day began with the formulaic roll call of every member of the House, which had become familiar to a national audience over the 19 different ballots to elect a Republican Speaker in 2023. (First, the 15 needed to elect Kevin McCarthy and then the four needed to replace him after his ouster.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has a slim shot at keeping his gavel Friday, as dozens of Republicans reportedly remain uncommitted to supporting the staunch ally of President-elect Donald Trump. Representative Thomas Massie vowed Thursday night that he wouldn’t vote for Johnson, even under threat of torture.

For a moment there on Friday afternoon, Mike Johnson’s speakership looked a little dicey. But following multiple huddles and some last-minute intervention from President-elect Donald Trump, two GOP defectors changed their votes and Johnson was once again elected speaker of the House of Representatives.

Mike Johnson persuaded a pair of GOP skeptics to change votes, keeping the gavel in an era of Republican control in Washington.