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After 15 rounds of voting, Rep. Kevin McCarthy finally secured enough votes to nab the coveted role of Speaker of the House. The election came after a week of negotiating and 14 failed votes. Here is a look at this historic week in Congress.
Historic Contest Ends with McCarthy in Power
The multiple rounds of voting became the longest contest in the chamber in 164 years. McCarthy secured the votes he needed in the early hours of Saturday morning, sending him to the most powerful position in the House. It was not an easy road for McCarthy, requiring a host of concessions in order to gain the majority votes needed to take over the gavel.
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The 118th Congress convened on Tuesday knowing that it might be a difficult road for McCarthy. As the week went on, it became clear that McCarthy was in for a major fight as the conservative and moderate factions of the GOP remained divided. The House met again late Friday for the 14th vote.
While those in McCarthy’s inner circle had been expressing optimism that they had secured the votes needed, a few Republicans changed their minds at the last minute and threw the outcome into chaos. The voting culminated in a few tense moments on the House floor when McCarthy and his supporters realized that they once again did not have the necessary votes.
Republicans then moved to adjourn until Monday, however, this proposal did not pass and another vote was taken as the clock struck midnight. In that final round of voting, McCarthy was able to win over the last few holdouts. The last vote came in at 216 for McCarthy and six present votes.
While not a direct endorsement, a vote of “present” paved the way for McCarthy to claim the majority of the votes by eliminating an opposition vote. The six present votes came from Arizona Reps. Eli Crane and Andy Biggs, Rep. Matt Rosendale of Montana, Rep. Bob Good of Virginia, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, and Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado.
It is also being reported that former President Donald Trump inserted himself into the negotiations late Friday, calling both Gaetz and Rep. Majorie Taylor Green. Gaetz had been regarded as McCarthy’s staunchest opponent over the last several days.
What the Struggle Means Going Forward
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Although there is an air of celebration for House Republicans on Saturday, there is also fear that the concessions may make it more difficult for McCarthy to unite the party and govern effectively in this session of Congress. McCarthy was forced to make a series of concessions in order to win over those who had been voting against him during the early rounds. These concessions further irritated the moderate wing of the party who are now concerned that this will dilute the power of the GOP over the next two years.
The struggle to unite the party to select a speaker may also be a harbinger of things to come for Republicans. Political experts and GOP party leaders are worried that the difficulties over the last week may leave McCarthy in a weaker position of authority. However, McCarthy continues to dispute this idea, alleging that he will be able to unite the party now that he has officially assumed the position as its leader.
Hakeem Jeffries Makes History as First Black Lawmaker to Lead a Party in Congress
While certainly not as dramatic as McCarthy’s road to the gavel, history was made this week when Rep. Hakeem Jeffries became the first Black lawmaker to head up a party in Congress. Jeffries is also distinguished as being the first person born after the conclusion of World War II in the position to lead House Democrats. The representative from the state of New York was the unanimous choice of the Democrats to head up the party, securing the role of House minority leader.
Through the 15 rounds of voting, House Democrats offered unwavering support to Jeffries as he consistently earned 212 votes from his colleagues as the Republican vote splintered. Jeffries takes over the Democratic leadership role from Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who stepped down after serving the party when they held the majority. The 52-year-old congressman took the time to thank Pelosi for her efforts over the years leading the party when he addressed the chamber early Saturday.
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