Rep. Kevin McCarthy wins House speakership

Rep. Kevin McCarthy has been elected House speaker after a number of days of negotiations and 15 rounds of voting.

The ultimate tally was 216 votes for McCarthy, 212 for Democratic Home chief Hakeem Jeffries with six representatives voting “current.”

Republicans beforehand agreed to nominate McCarthy, however his path to the speakership was unsure after a gaggle of GOP holdouts threatened to derail his bid.

A number of days of gridlock gave option to dramatic moments late Friday night. Within the 14th spherical, an extraordinary scene erupted, with McCarthy confronting Rep. Matt Gaetz, whose vote on that poll may have given him the position he has sought for thus lengthy.

After a failed movement to adjourn till Monday, McCarthy lastly had the votes to safe the place.

When the win was introduced, Reps. Steve Scalise, Elise Stefanik, and Ryan Zinke, the final member to vote, all ran over to McCarthy with their vote playing cards for him to signal. 

All the GOP convention was on their ft clapping. McCarthy hugged many members that got here as much as him and waved to of us within the gallery. 

The GOP solely holds a slim majority within the chamber – 222 Republicans in contrast with 212 Democrats – which meant McCarthy couldn’t afford many defections.

McCarthy represents California and beforehand served as Home minority chief. McCarthy has already vowed to launch multiple investigations into President Joe Biden and his administration.

Now, the Home can proceed with the remainder of its enterprise, together with administering the oath of workplace to newly elected members.