UPDATE: House Republicans are plowing through the second day of the new Congress, with no clear off-ramp from their political chaos over electing a new speaker. Seeing no easy solution, they adjourned late Wednesday afternoon until evening.
Republican leader Kevin McCarthy failed anew to win the House speakership in three votes, faring no better than he had in the same number of votes on Tuesday when 20 fellow Republicans rejected his bid. Former President Donald Trump vigorously renewed his support for McCarthy, but it made no difference. And an outspoken conservative Republican said Trump should actually tell McCarthy to drop out. The chamber’s most conservative members believe McCarthy is neither conservative enough nor tough enough to battle Democrats.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican leader Kevin McCarthy was defeated in the first rounds of voting to become the next House Speaker.
House Republicans are courting chaos on the opening day of the new Congress. McCarthy is fighting to become speaker as his party takes slim control of the chamber.
The mood was tense as voting by all 434 House members began. McCarthy was battling right-flank conservatives who refuse to give him their votes.
The showdown could devolve into a prolonged floor fight. It’s in stark contrast to the other side of the U.S. Capitol, where Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell was set to become the longest-serving party leader. Democrat Chuck Schumer will remain majority leader.
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