All four L.I. Congressman back Johnson of Louisiana for House speaker

UPDATED 1:45

All four of Long Island's Congressmen voted for Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana for House speaker Wednesday, Oct. 25.

Reps. Anthony D'Esposito, Andrew Garbarino and Nick LaLota had voted last week for former Rep. Lee Zeldin of Shirley in a symbolic move to draw attention to Long Island issues. 

Wednesday before the fourth House speaker vote in the past three weeks, D'Esposito, Garbarino and LaLota announced on X that they were supporting Johnson. 

Johnson, a conservative, won unanimous Republican support in the House speaker vote Wednesday. 

UPDATED 12:43 P.M.

Long Island Republican Congressman Andrew Garbarino announced on X his support for Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana for House speaker.

In a post, Garbarino said, "I was pleased to speak with Rep. Johnson about critical issues facing Long Island. He understands how essential flood insurance and disaster relief is to coastal communities like Long Island... Mike Johnson understands New York priorities and I look forward to working with him as the next speaker of the House of Representatives."

Long Island Congressmen Anthony D’Esposito and Nick LaLota announced on X Wednesday morning that they would support Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana for House speaker.

Johnson is the fourth Republican candidate for House speaker since Rep. Mike McCarthy was ousted by fellow Republicans from the speakership on Oct. 3. House Republicans were planning to vote Wednesday for McCarthy's replacement.

D’Esposito and LaLota were joined by fellow Long Island Republican Congressman Andrew Garbarino in voting three times for former Rep. Lee Zeldin of Shirley for House speaker, a symbolic move designed to bring attention to issues facing Long Island.

In a statement on X, LaLota said Johnson is a “commonsense conservative” who “understands the priorities of Long Islanders and is committed to working with me to put Long Island first.”

D’Esposito stated on X that he was supporting Johnson because he understands Long Island issues. “Mike is my friend, a son of a firefighter, a good family man, and a smart, well thought leader who loves this nation,” D’Esposito wrote.

Johnson is the House GOP conference vice chair.

— This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.