What we’re watching: Eyes on the speaker’s race

????️ What we're watching

• Speaker Mike Johnson is hoping to keep his gavel Friday, and the vote represents a test for President-elect Donald Trump, too, who has continued to throw his weight behind Johnson and is making calls on his behalf. 
• Any delays in picking a speaker could hamper Trump’s ability to start his term.
• The positive for Trump and Johnson? None of the other names being floated have the votes.

????ICYMI: Here are Trump's latest administration picks 

• Joe Popolo is Trump’s pick to serve as Ambassador to the Netherlands, the president-elect announced Thursday. 
• Trump tapped Benjamin Leon Jr. as the next Ambassador to Spain.