Republican Kevin McCarthy has clinched US House speakership, after the 15th ballot was held on Friday. McCarthy (Calif.) becomes the nation’s 55th speaker, wrapping up a gruelling several days of defeats and concessions. The chamber gave a standing ovation for the lawmaker as the clerk called the election in his favor with 216 votes. This tally is the same that Democrat Nancy Pelosi received when securing the post in 2021.
The final tally in the 15th speakership ballot was 216 votes for McCarthy, 212 for Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries, and with six representatives voting "present."
US President Joe Biden congratulated Kevin McCarthy on his election as House Speaker, saying:
“Jill and I congratulate Kevin McCarthy on his election as Speaker of the House. As I said after the midterms, I am prepared to work with Republicans when I can and voters made clear that they expect Republicans to be prepared to work with me as well. Now that the leadership of the House of Representatives has been decided it is time for that process to begin.”
Former President Donald Trump also weighed in, writing on Truth Social:
"The 'Speaker' selection process, as crazy as it may seem, has made it all much bigger and more important than if done the more conventional way. Congratulations to Kevin McCarthy and our GREAT Republican Party!"
Representative Bryan Steil holds the tally of the votes for Newly elected Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy after the 15th round of voting at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 7, 2023.
© AFP 2023 / OLIVIER DOULIERY
Previously, the Congressman-elect fell one vote short during the late-night 14th vote in the chamber. Rejecting the motion to adjourn, the House had moved on to a 15th ballot.
Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who sank McCarthy's chances in the 14th ballot, had again voted "present," in the 14th. while Bob Good, a Republican who represents Virginia’s Fifth Congressional District in the House of Representatives, switched his vote from Rep.-elect Jim Jordan to "present".
Former President Donald Trump spoke to Reps. Andy Biggs and Matt Gaetz, calling them, claimed sources cited by US media.
The GOP in the House of Representatives had erupted in applause after Montana's Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke cast his vote and thus granted Kevin McCarthy the gavel win he had been waiting for.
US Representative Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) speaks to US Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) in the House Chamber at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 6, 2023.
© AFP 2023 / OLIVIER DOULIERY
Republicans hold a 222-212 majority in the House, but a total of 21 Republicans had voted in opposition to the House Republican Leader over the course of the selection process. However, after a group of 15 previous Republican holdouts finally swung their support towards McCarthy on Friday, momentum had started to build, with the California lawmaker appearing on course to secure the coveted post.
Ahead of the 14th vote, McCarthy had exuded confidence, telling reporters:
“When we come back tonight, we’ll have the votes to get this done once and for all. It just reminds me of what my father always told me, it’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish.”
The situation marks the first time in a century the House has failed to elect a speaker on the first ballot, and the first time since 1859 it has taken more than ten ballots.
Now that the speakership vote has been finalized, the US House of Representatives can proceed with business such as administering the oath of office to newly elected members.