After 14 unsuccessful votes and many concessions, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R.Calif.) Finally got what was best for him: He was elected House speaker.
McCarthy After agreeing to several demands from a few right-wing Republicans that had been against him, he was able to win the 15th vote. The most notable concession he made was to change the GOP’s House rules package ― the framework that lays out all the rules for running the House for the next two years ― to allow a single member to offer a motion to unseat him.
For the final count, there were 216 votes McCarthy6 votes present, 221 votes for Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of D-N.Y.
In 15 rounds, this is the first time that it has been voted on. McCarthy didn’t draw any GOP opposition. His strongest critics were Reps. Andy Biggs and Lauren Boebert (Colo.), Eli Crane (Ariz.), Matt Gaetz, Fla., Bob Good (Va.), Matt Rosendale(Mont.).
McCarthy’s victory came as a dramatic reversal after it looked like he had lost his bid and would have to regroup over the weekend. Gaetz is one of the most prominent. McCarthy’s main antagonists over the weeklong voting marathon, voted “present” On the 14th round deny McCarthy His prize was awarded by just one vote.
McCarthy As the result became apparent, Gaetz’s supporters descended upon Gaetz and begged him to alter his vote. The tension grew to the point that Gaetz was forced to change his vote. McCarthy Supporter Rep. Mike Rogers (R.Ala.) had to be physically restrained by another lawmaker How to get from Gaetz.
After McCarthy’s failed vote, his allies immediately moved to adjourn until Monday. Gaetz won the adjournment vote, but it was not yet underway. reportedly took a call Former President Donald Trump urges him to make the right choice for his country. McCarthy. Trump reportedly also called another Biggs, and asked him to follow his lead.
Trump’s calls appeared to do the trick. McCarthy’s allies got wind that his opponents were now prepared to vote “present” Instead of “no,” They quickly switched their votes in order to maintain the status quo. House In session. They then proceeded to the fifteenth vote in order to install McCarthy As speaker, and was successful.
McCarthy He had won most of his opponents earlier Friday when he gave them a set of changes to the preferred seating arrangements in both the parliamentary and parliamentary chambers. This prompted many people to vote for him This is the first time. These changes will give legislators more time to examine legislation, and allow them to make amendments easier.
The California Republican’s rocky path to the speakership was largely due to House Republicans underperforming in November’s midterm elections. His party retook power House, which was expected, but didn’t get nearly as many seats as anticipated. McCarthy His leadership campaign had just four votes remaining, which allowed the right-wing party of his party’s support to make their demands for it.
McCarthy’s victory on the 15th ballot gives him the distinction of needing the most speaker election tallies since before the Civil War, when New Jersey’s William Pennington required 44 votes to take the gavel in 1860.
