The Supreme Court ultimately rejected the suit, but not before Mr. Johnson convinced more than 60 percent of House Republicans to sign onto the effort.
He did so by telling them the initiative had been personally blessed by Mr. Trump, and the former president was “anxiously awaiting” to see who in Congress would step up to the plate to defend him.
A constitutional lawyer, Mr. Johnson also was a key architect of Republicans’ objections to certifying the victory of then President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. on Jan. 6, 2021.
Mr. Johnson instead faulted the way some states had changed voting procedures during the pandemic, saying it was unconstitutional.
After a mob of Mr. Trump’s supporters, believing the election was rigged, stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, injuring about 150 police officers, Mr. Johnson condemned the violence.
Persons:
Johnson, Trump, “, ’, Joseph R, Biden, Trump’s, ”
Organizations:
Republicans, Mr, Capitol