The House of Representatives has begun voting for the new Speaker of the House, with Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) losing the first two votes. McCarthy needed 218 votes to win, but fell 15 votes short in both votes. A small group of far-right Republicans joined all Democrats in voting against McCarthy.
In a party meeting Tuesday morning, McCarthy told his colleagues that he had earned the job and that the House would keep the majority. Democrats placed their party leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries’ name into nomination, and Republicans placed McCarthy’s name. Republican Rep. Andy Biggs is also expected to garner several votes in the first round.
The tellers will tally up the votes, with present votes subtracting from the total. This lowers the threshold for a majority, making it easier for McCarthy or another candidate to win the speakership.
McCarthy has been the House Majority Leader since 2014 and has been a member of the House since 2007. He has been a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump and has been a key figure in the Republican Party for many years.
The House will continue to vote until a speaker is elected. It is unclear at this time who will win the speakership, but the outcome of the vote will have a major impact on the future of the House and the Republican Party.
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