In a heartwarming moment during the House speaker election, Democratic Representative Angie Craig chose to express her love and offer anniversary wishes to her wife, setting the stage for a politically charged face-off against Republican nominee, Louisiana Representative Mike Johnson.
A Joyful Anniversary Greeting
During the pivotal vote to elect the next House speaker, Rep. Craig aligned herself with fellow Democrats by supporting House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Yet, before she cast her vote, the Minnesota congresswoman decided to take a moment, stating, “Happy anniversary to my wife!” Her words were met with applause from some of her peers.
The Thinly Veiled Dig
Craig’s heartfelt acknowledgment of her marriage, coupled with her vote for Jeffries, carried an unmistakable message. This was a subtle yet powerful dig at Johnson, who has a long history of opposing LGBTQ+ rights.
Contrasting Ideals: Craig and Johnson
Mike Johnson is known for his strong, socially conservative views. He has vocally expressed disapproval of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage in 2015. In 2022, he introduced the controversial “Stop the Sexualization of Children Act,” which aimed to ban discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in federally funded institutions, drawing parallels to Florida’s divisive “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
A Notable Career in Opposition
Adding to the controversy surrounding Johnson, he previously served as an attorney and spokesperson for the anti-LGBTQ group Alliance Defending Freedom, a religious organization that has played a significant role in recent events, including the reversal of Roe v. Wade.
Johnson’s Election Triumph
In a party-line vote of 220-209, Mike Johnson secured victory in the House speaker election. This outcome marked the end of a tumultuous month for the Republican Party after the unexpected removal of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy initiated by far-right Florida Representative Matt Gaetz.
A Tumultuous Month in the House
The recall of Speaker Kevin McCarthy left Congress in a state of limbo for three weeks. The House Republican Conference struggled to unite behind a candidate, leading to an unprecedented delay in proceedings.
Angie Craig: A Resilient Representative
Angie Craig has consistently made headlines for her steadfast commitment and resilience. Earlier this year, she found herself in a distressing situation when she was assaulted in an apartment elevator. However, she managed to defend herself by throwing hot coffee in the assailant’s face. Her chief of staff announced the news of the attack in February, assuring the public that Craig had “suffered bruising but is otherwise physically okay” following the incident.
In a fiercely divided political landscape, Rep. Angie Craig’s anniversary wishes and vote for Hakeem Jeffries sent a clear message about her values and priorities. The election of Mike Johnson as House speaker marked a significant moment in the ongoing battle over LGBTQ+ rights, while also concluding a month of political turbulence in Congress.