The vote for House speaker
Live coverage as the House votes for a new speaker.
Coverage for this event has ended.
Mike Rogers lunges at Matt Gaetz during House speaker voting, other members forced to intervene
A tense moment on the House floor resulted in a Republican member physically lunging at another and who then had to be restrained from further escalation.
The scuffle happened between Reps-elect Mike Rogers, R-Ala., and Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., after the 14th House speaker vote failed.
Gaetz was discussing with Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., the possibility of backing him in the next vote and appeared to mouth the worth “committee.”
Gaetz is currently on the House Armed Services Committee, which is chaired by Rogers.
McCarthy appeared to agree, resulting in Rogers walking up to Gaetz’s row and making a move toward him.
Rogers was then pulled back by his shoulders and then his face in full view of C-SPAN’s cameras. Rogers could then be seen appearing to yell: “I won’t forget this!”
In the 15th and final vote, McCarthy was elected speaker with Gaetz voting “present.”
House of Representatives elects Kevin McCarthy to serve as speaker
A chaotic night on the House floor culminated after midnight Saturday with Republicans rallying behind Kevin McCarthy to elect him speaker.
The final tally had 428 members voting: McCarthy received 216 and Hakeem Jeffries received 212.
Six members voted “present,” including notable holdouts Reps-elect Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., and Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., allowing McCarthy to take a majority of those voting for a candidate.
The Speaker’s contest started on Tuesday with 19 Republicans refusing to back McCarthy for the speakership and as the week wore on the total had grown to 21 members.
After a 14th round found McCarthy losing by just a single vote, the 15th proved the charm for the Californian.
Kevin McCarthy appears on track to win House speakership on 15th vote
With a 15th and final vote late Friday evening, the House of Representatives appears to be on the path to electing Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., to be its next House Speaker.
The vote is taking place just after 12 a.m. EST Saturday morning.
Several members voted “present,” including Reps-elect Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., Lauren Boebert, R-Colorado., Eli Crane, R-Ariz., Matt Gaetz, R-Fla.
Their votes lowered the threshold required for McCarthy to win by making it easier for him to get a majority of those voting for a candidate.
The final votes are being tabulated.
House set to hold 15th vote for House Speaker
Following a dramatic turn of events and nearly two hours after House members initially met for the 14th vote for House Speaker, members are set to hold a 15th vote.
Kevin McCarthy failed to be elected in the previous contest by a single vote.
Republicans now believe he has the support he needs to win and all eyes are on Rep-elect Matt Gaetz.
House rejects adjournment, heading for another vote tonight
After chaos erupted in the House chamber following the 14th failed vote to determine the next House Speaker, Republicans motioned to adjourn for the weekend.
All Democrats voted against the motion, with most Republicans favoring it.
As the motion was set to expire, with a 217-217 tie, more than 30 Republicans rushed to the clerk to have their vote changed to reject adjournment.
This change of vote likely followed discussions between McCarthy, Matt Gaetz, and others as Republicans now believe they have enough votes to successfully elect McCarthy.
A possible agreement comes as Gaetz has said publicly he would not back McCarthy for Speaker.
The motion to adjourn ultimately failed with 155 Republicans voting to adjourn, while 67 Republicans and all 212 Democrats voting to remain in session and hold another Speaker vote.
A 15th vote for Speaker is expected after the motion to adjourn fails.
McCarthy loses by one vote in shocking 14th attempt
Kevin McCarthy late Friday failed to succeed in his 14th bid for House speaker after indicating confidence in a victory and two of his GOP opponents appeared to clear the way for a victory by voting "present."
When the dust settled, McCarthy had 216 votes, but needed 217. Two of his most vocal opponents, Rep.-elects Matt Gaetz of Florida and Lauren Boebert of California, voted "present" which was aimed at lowering the minimum majority needed to win.
But with only 432 votes cast, the McCarthy needed 217 to clinch it, and fell short by a single vote.
The result seemed to surprise McCarthy and his team, many of whom started an intense discussion with Gaetz in an apparent attempt to sway him to change his vote to one in support of McCarthy.
Republicans initially sought to adjourn, but then appeared to indicate another vote would get McCarthy the win.
Chaos on the House floor as McCarthy appears to fall short in 14th vote
A silence looms over the House chamber late Friday evening after a 14th vote appears to have resulted in Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., falling short of becoming its next House Speaker.
The vote Friday, just before 11 p.m. EST, followed four days of discord, division, and deliberations before Republicans mostly united behind McCarthy.
Several holdouts remained in the vote, including Reps-elect Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., who voted for Jim Jordan, R-Ohio; Eli Crane, R-Ariz., who voted for Biggs, and Matt Rosendale, R-Maryland, who voted for Biggs.
Reps-elect Lauren Boebert, R-Colorado., and Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., both voted "present."
With Republicans having 222 members in the chamber, McCarthy could only afford four defectors. However, a “present” vote lowers the voting threshold needing to win.
Members were still missing two votes on the final tally and it appears McCarthy is a single vote shy of winning.
Wisconsin Republican blasts Gaetz for 'dragging' speaker fight out for 'fundraising'
A Wisconsin Republican congressman-elect blasted Rep.-elect Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., for "dragging" out the speaker fight to fundraise off of it.
Wisconsin Rep.-elect Derrick Van Orden, a Republican, torched his Florida colleague for holding up the House by siphoning away votes from GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy during the days-long speaker battle.
"Gaetz has dumped Trump and moved on to Jordan who does not want the job and Gaetz knows it," Van Orden tweeted on Friday. "He is dragging this out to make money. What is more swampy than that?"
"I am calling for him to donate the money he is fundraising off this to the charity [of] his choice," he continued.
Click here to read more on Fox News.
The Hitchhiker’s guide to what’s going to go down tonight with the speaker’s election
We expect the House to elect Rep.-elect Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) as House Speaker either late tonight or in the wee hours of Saturday morning.
We don’t know if McCarthy will win on a potential 14th ballot right after the House returns at 10 pm et. But Fox is told the GOP brass does expect McCarthy to prevail tonight.
We do not know the exact "magic number" for McCarthy to win. However, if all 434 members are present, the number is 218. Reps.-elect Wesley Hunt (R-TX) and Ken Buck (R-CO) were absent earlier. Fox is told both will be back tonight. Both are McCarthy supporters. It is possible that other members-elect could be absent – from other side of the aisle. That would lower the threshold for McCarthy and could potentially help him win the Speakership – depending on WHO is absent.
Moreover, Democrats could be absent. Or, if McCarthy fails to flip the six holdouts, they could vote "present." A "present" vote does not count against the overall tally.
Click here to read on Fox News.
George Santos refuses to answer questions about resume lies while promising to support McCarthy
While on his way to support Rep.-elect Kevin McCarthy for speaker of the House, embattled Rep.-elect George Santos refused to answer lingering questions about his exaggerated campaign biography.
A reporter pressed Santos on his false representations following reports he lied about several aspects of his resume before being elected, including misrepresenting his education, work experience and claiming Jewish descent.
"Is there anything you have to say to New Yorkers who feel disappointed that you were not truthful in your biography?" Santos was asked. The congressman-elect did not respond.
"It's been unproductive for the American people. We need a speaker," Santos said when later asked about the ongoing speaker vote, which is expected to enter its 14th ballotFriday evening.
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Gaetz gets cozy with Democrats on the House floor as he tries to prevent McCarthy speakership
Congressman-elect Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., has been one of Congressman-elect Kevin McCarthy's fiercest opponents throughout voting for House speaker, pushing for Republican alternatives who include former President Trump, Congressman-elect Jim Jordan and Congressman-elect Byron Donalds.
The voting for House speaker has entered its fourth day and its 12th round as McCarthy attempts to wrangle the 218 votes necessary to win the speakership.
With deliberations in the chamber ongoing, Gaetz has had some interesting conversations on the House floor this week as he attempts to prevent a McCarthy speakership.
On Friday morning, Gaetz appeared to chat with the incoming assistant Democratic leader,Congressman-elect James Clyburn of South Carolina, before the House was set to commence its 12th round of voting.
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McCarthy confident he'll clinch speaker's gavel Friday night: 'I'll have the votes'
House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy told reporters Friday that he's confident he'll have the votes to get elected House speaker when the chamber reconvenes at 10 p.m. for the 14th roll call vote.
"Yes," McCarthy told a reporter when asked if he would have the votes to become speaker Friday night.
When asked if McCarthy would be able to convince two GOP holdouts, Reps.-elect Eli Crane, R-Ariz., and Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., the California Republican replied, "I'll have the votes."
"Because I counted," McCarthy said when asked again why he's confident he'll cross the finish line Friday evening.
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GOP 'dysfunction' around McCarthy's speaker bid may boost DeSantis' appeal to voters, insiders say
Republicans remain in disarray as House leader Kevin McCarthy attempts to persuade a handful of his GOP colleagues to support his bid for speaker, with some political insiders weighing how the intraparty chaos could influence voters who are looking ahead to 2024.
Congress voted for the 13th time on Friday, with McCarthy failing to garner votes from a group of Republican holdouts who are refusing to support his goal of obtaining the speaker's gavel.Following the 13th vote, the House voted to adjourn until 10 p.m. ET Friday.
Congress is expected to take part in the 14th vote at that time.
All the while McCarthy continues negotiations and talks, the feud among Republicans who oppose his nomination and the vast majority who favor it has some insiders telling Fox News Digital that it could enhance Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis' appeal should he make a 2024 run for the White House.
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Byron Donalds invokes Reagan when asked if he trusts Kevin McCarthy
Rep.-elect Byron Donalds told reporters Friday he trusts Kevin McCarthy to "do the job necessary" as House speaker after flipping his vote to support the California Republican.
"What I trust is that he's gonna do the job necessary to lead our conference and lead the House of Representatives," Donalds, R-Fla., said when Fox News Digital asked whether he can trust the House GOP leader.
"And ... in this institution, trust is one of those things, to quote Ronald Reagan, that you always have to verify," Donalds added.
Donalds said the agreement between McCarthy's camp and members of the House Freedom Caucus, which lawmakers are still working to finalize, allows lawmakers to "verify" that trust.
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House of Representatives adjourns until 10 pm, 14th vote expected
The House of Representatives voted to adjourn until 10 p.m. ET Friday and a 14th vote for speaker is expected.
Rep.-elect Kevin McCarthy failed to gain a majority of votes for House speaker in the 13th round of voting.
McCarthy offers to keep defense spending at 2022 levels in deal to holdouts
Rep.-elect Kevin McCarthy offered to keep defense spending at 2022 levels in a deal to holdouts during the House speaker election as the House Minority Leader hasn't gained the speakership after 13 rounds of voting.
The deal was made to hardliners who are seeking a balanced budget within the next 10 years.
McCarthy, however, didn't "give away the farm" since all bills still have to go through regular order, according to a source.
Fox News' Jacqui Heinrich contributed to this report.
McCarthy gains support in 13th vote, but fails get majority
Rep.-elect Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., gained support in the 13th round of voting for House speaker but failed to gain a majority of votes which is needed.
The 14 lawmakers who flipped to McCarthy last round were: Reps.-elect Dan Bishop, R-N.C.; Joshua Brecheen, R-Okla.; Mike Cloud, R-Texas; Andrew Clyde, R-Ga.; Byron Donalds, R-Fla.; Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla.; Mary Miller, R-Ill.; Ralph Norman, R-S.C.; Scott Perry, R-Pa.; Chip Roy, R-Texas; and Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas; Paul Gosar, R-Ariz.; and Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn. switched their vote to McCarthy from another candidate.
Rep.-elect Victoria Spartz, R-Ind., switched her vote from present to McCarthy.
The vote for House speaker will head to a 14th round.
Fox News' Kelly Laco and Kelly Phares contributed to this report.
Rep.-elect David Trone, D-Md., casts speaker vote day of surgery
Rep.-elect David Trone, D-Md., returned to the House Friday to cast a vote in the 13th ballot for speaker after receiving surgery earlier in the morning.
"7AM: Surgery 2PM: Back at the Capitol, still wearing my slippers and hospital socks," Trone tweeted. "Time to vote for Hakeem Jeffries!"
Democrats have voted in unison for Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., as Republicans debate whether to elect House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.
Rep.-elect Andy Harris switches vote to McCarthy, marking 15th flip Friday
Rep.-elect Andy Harris, R-Md., switched his vote to Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., Friday in the 13th ballot for speaker — marking the 15th switched vote as a majority vote nears.
The 14 lawmakers who flipped to McCarthy last round were: Reps.-elect Dan Bishop, R-N.C.; Joshua Brecheen, R-Okla.; Mike Cloud, R-Texas; Andrew Clyde, R-Ga.; Byron Donalds, R-Fla.; Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla.; Mary Miller, R-Ill.; Ralph Norman, R-S.C.; Scott Perry, R-Pa.; Chip Roy, R-Texas; and Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas; Paul Gosar, R-Ariz.; and Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn. switched their vote to McCarthy from another candidate. Rep.-elect Victoria Spartz, R-Ind., switched her vote from "present" to McCarthy.
Harris was bidding with McCarthy to chair the Labor-HHS subcommittee.
McCarthy can only afford four Republican votes against him — and five members claim they will refuse to vote for him: Florida Rep.-elect Matt Gaetz, Arizona Rep.-elect Andy Biggs, Virginia Rep.-elect Bob Good, Colorado Rep.-elect Lauren Boebert and Montana Rep.-elect Matt Rosendale.
Byron Donalds answers whether or not he trusts Kevin McCarthy after flipping to support him Friday
Rep.-elect Byron Donalds, R-Fla., flipped his vote Friday to support Kevin McCarthy's bid for House speaker, and told Fox News Digital that he trusts McCarthy will "do the job necessary to lead" the GOP conference and the chamber.
"What I trust is that he's gonna do the job necessary to lead our conference and lead the House of Representatives," Donalds said when he Fox News Digital asked whether or not he trusts McCarthy.
"And...in this institution, trust is one of those things, to quote Ronald Reagan, that you always have to verify," he added.
Donalds said the agreement in place between friends and foes of McCarthy, including many in the House Freedom Caucus, that lawmakers are still working to finalize, allows lawmakers to "verify" that trust.
"And what this agreement does, it allows the members of Congress to verify the trust that we're instilling in Kevin McCarthy. Or that I perceive we are going to instill…"
McCarthy gained 14 votes in the last round but still fell short of a majority. The House kicked off a 13th round of votes Friday afternoon.