McCarthy’s Quest to Become Speaker: McCarthy Fails To Bring Down The House

Multiple votes for House Speaker ended in a tie Tuesday. This leaves House Minority Leader. Kevin McCarthy’s (R-CA) latest attempt to take the gavel in doubt as night fell in the nation’s capital.

McCarthy was appointed to the House after it adjourned at noon Wednesday in an attempt to end the deadlock. reportedly started making calls Prior to an expected House GOP conference meeting In the morning. “We stay in until we win,” McCarthy spoke to reporters as the third and final vote was underway. The numbers “will change eventually,” He also added before stating to CNN, “I know the path.”

Votes will continue to be cast until a speaker has been elected. The 118th Congress has a pause in which House members can be sworn in. This will prevent any legislative business or committee assignments from being completed. per Axios.

McCarthy continues to be determined in his pursuit of Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA), replacement as speaker. But, his most prominent backer, former President Donald Trump. refused to say during a Tuesday evening interview whether he still supports McCarthy’s faltering bid. The turmoil follows McCarthy’s ill-fated 2015 run for speaker, which ended with Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) ascending to the role after McCarthy dropped out upon being rejected by a group of hard-line conservatives.

The threshold for a nominee to win the speaker’s gavel is 218 votes, but that number could decrease if members vote “present,” You decline to vote or are absent. House Republicans, who have a 222-seat majority in the new Congress session, are less flexible after a weaker-2022 midterm election. McCarthy has offered a few suggestions over the last few days concessions to woo conservativesIncludes making it easier to remove the House Speaker. Nine House Republicans rejected his offers. signed an open letter Monday opposing McCarthy’s bid, saying “specific commitments” These were never fulfilled.

Tuesday saw Democrats vote as a bloc in support of Rep. Hakeem Jeffreys (D-NY), with 212 votes. McCarthy received only 203 votes. During the third round, Rep. Byron Donalds joined 19 Republican holdouts who were absent in the first two rounds.

“The reality is Rep. Kevin McCarthy doesn’t have the votes,” Donalds tweeted following the third vote. “I committed my support to him publicly and for two votes on the House Floor. 218 is the number, and currently, no one is there.” Donalds demanded a recess in order to allow the Republican conference. “huddle and find someone or work out the next steps.”

The reality is Rep. Kevin McCarthy doesn’t have the votes. He has my support publicly, and I gave him two votes on the House Floor. 218 is the number. Currently, there is no one. Our conference needs to recess and huddle and find someone or work out the next steps…(1/3)

— Congressman Byron Donalds (@RepDonaldsPress) January 3, 2023

All GOP defectors backed Jim Jordan (R OH), after the first round. Jordan, who is set to become the chairman of House Oversight Committee’s powerful House Oversight Committee in the near future, has supported McCarthy so far and even nominated McCarthy on the second ballot. Jordan claimed Tuesday that Jordan is aware of the possibility. “no” Chance he will be a speaker.

Rep. Andy Biggs, a Republican from Arizona, was formerly chairman of the House Freedom Caucus. has presented himself as an alternative candidate McCarthy received only 10 votes in Tuesday’s first round, before the Jordan holdouts settled for Jordan. Some other names were also considered possible candidates. Louisiana’s Steve ScaliseThe No. 2 House Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC)And even more newly-retired Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI)A speaker does not need to be an elected member.

The Republicans holdouts beyond Donalds included Biggs. Dan Bishop (NC), Lauren Boebert.CO), Josh Brecheen.OK), Mike Cloud. Texas. Andrew Clyde. Georgia. Bob Good. Virginia. Paul Gosar. Arizona. Andy Harris. MD. Anna Paulina Luna. FL. Mary Miller. Illinois. Ralph Norman. SC. Andy Ogles. Scott Perry. Matt Rosendale. MT. Chip Roy. Keith Self.

Bacon means me the “Taliban”

Well….as hurtful and false as that is….I too am prepared for an extended battle that I will ultimately win. https://t.co/zW7fLqj6tr

— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) January 3, 2023

The GOP conference is boiling at the seams. “anger,” According to Rep. Don Bacon (R–NE), who called these individuals the “Taliban 19, Taliban 20,” And claimed they had given “nothing in return” McCarthy has made concessions as reported by Fox News’ Chad Pergram.

Gaetz retorted on Twitter and said, “Well….as hurtful and false as that is….I too am prepared for an extended battle that I will ultimately win.”

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