McCarthy struggles to win votes for House speaker

The election for a new House speaker today was forced to go to a third ballot for the first time since 1923 as the 118th Congress met for the first time. No candidate received the 218-vote majority needed to secure the position during the votes. Republican nominee Kevin McCarthy has struggled to gain support among some Republicans, including those of the House’s Freedom Caucus, who nominated other Republican candidates for speaker. The Democratic Party nominated Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., for the position.

What happens until the speaker is elected? Congress cannot conduct any business or swear in the newly elected representatives until a speaker is chosen. A majority vote from all representatives present for the election is required to elect a new House speaker. A speaker can win with fewer than 218 votes if some lawmakers are absent or simply vote present. Representatives will continue to vote until a winner is determined.

Dig deeper: Read R. Albert Mohler Jr.’s column in WORLD Opinions about the end of Nancy Pelosi’s time as speaker.