Categories: Politics

House adjourns without electing a speaker after McCarthy loses sixth ballot

The House adjourned Wednesday after it failed for a sixth time to elect a speaker — continuing a feud between House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and 20 opponents within his own party.

The decision to adjourn until 8 p.m. ET Wednesday followed unsuccessful negotiation efforts from McCarthy to secure a majority of votes needed to win the speaker’s gavel. The fourth, fifth and sixth failed ballots Wednesday came hours after former President Donald Trump broke his silence on the speakership debate as he reiterated his endorsement of McCarthy.

THE VOTE FOR HOUSE SPEAKER: LIVE UPDATES

The House failed on three votes for speaker Tuesday, then adjourned. The first two votes Tuesday included 19 votes for candidates besides McCarthy, which became 20 after Rep.-elect Byron Donalds flipped to the anti-McCarthy side in the third vote.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., is shown between votes for a new speaker on Wednesday.
(Win McNamee/Getty Images)

McCarthy’s opponents then nominated Donalds, R-Fla., for speaker Wednesday, who received the same 20 votes in the fourth ballot — successfully delaying McCarthy’s bid for speaker again. Donalds was again nominated as a candidate on the fifth and sixths ballots and received the same 20 votes.

Rep.-elect Victoria Spartz, R-Ind., who previously voted for McCarthy, voted “present” in the fourth, fifth and sixth series.

“We have a constitutional duty to elect the Speaker of the House, but we have to deliberate further as a Republican conference until we have enough votes and stop wasting everyone’s time. None of the Republican candidates have this number yet,” Spartz said in a statement. “That’s why I voted present after all votes were cast.”

HOUSE SPEAKER BATTLE: PROFANITIES FLY AS REPUBLICAN FACTIONS GET HEATED OVER MCCARTHY SPEAKERSHIP BID

Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., speaks to reporters following a meeting with House Republicans at the Capitol on Jan. 3, 2023.
(Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Now, the House will have to conduct a seventh round of votes. 

Republican debates over the speakership have turned bitter as they attempt to unify behind a leader. Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., tweeted ahead of Wednesday’s vote that he wants to “break up the DC Cartel” as he continues to oppose McCarthy. Biggs’ comments appear to be a response to Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., who referred to McCarthy’s opponents Tuesday as the “Taliban 20.” 

Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., muttered “this is bulls—” under her breath during a House GOP Conference meeting Tuesday regarding McCarthy’s bid for speakership.

HOUSE DEMOCRATS CHEER AS MCCARTHY FAILS TO CLINCH SPEAKERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy faces opposition from his party in his bid for speakership.
(Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Democratic leadership has directed its members to remain present at votes for speaker continue to ensure the majority threshold remains a challenge to Republicans. Democratic members cheered and chanted as votes continued to fail Tuesday and Wednesday.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Share

Recent Posts

NYC Mayor Eric Adams says he’s leaving Democratic primary to run for re-election as an independent

close Video Judge dismisses case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams Fox News correspondent Nate Foy…

1 hour ago

Teen accused of killing New Jersey police officer to be charged as adult, new US attorney says

close Video Alina Habba sends very serious message to NJ gangs: I will not tolerate…

1 hour ago

President Trump, conservatives celebrate ‘absolutely massive’ Florida special elections sweep

President Donald Trump and other leading conservatives are celebrating a special election sweep in Florida,…

2 hours ago

Chip Roy follows Trump’s lead with bill to ‘beat China’ on trade

FIRST ON FOX: A key House Republican lawmaker is moving to bring more manufacturing back…

2 hours ago

Dem congressman lashes Musk in opening salvo of populist bid in 2026 swing-state Senate race

Striking a populist theme and showcasing that he is a fighter, Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas…

2 hours ago

Hawley says muzzled Meta whistleblower will testify over China dealings next week

FIRST ON FOX – Sen. Josh Hawley. R-Mo., told Fox News Thursday that Meta whistleblower…

2 hours ago