In the vote that could have given the speaker’s gavel to McCarthy, Republican supporters of former President Donald Trump supporters have prevented the California representative from winning the ballot.
Aides of McCarthy and Rep. Matt Gaetz, who voted present in the latest round, held animated discussions on the floor.
The tension of the situation resulted in what appeared to be an altercation on the floor involving Alabama Rep. Mike Rogers, who charged at the group and walked out of the chamber.
The chaos happens on the two year anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol where the two holdouts– Gaetz and Boebert– refuse to vote for McCarthy are strong Trump supporters.
– Rachel Looker
About halfway through the historic 14th vote for speaker, the House Republican Leader was in his best position of the week.
One of his biggest detractors, Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado, voted present, giving him one fewer vote against him compared to previous rounds.
Another detractor, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, missed his vote. He could come back at the end of voting to cast a ballot, but if he doesn’t vote it will lower the total of voting members McCarthy needs to clinch the speakership.
— Candy Woodall
Democrats have touted their unity all week, pointing out that Jeffries has received the unanimous 212 votes of his full caucus 12 of the 13 previous votes. Rep. David Trone missed the 12th vote for shoulder surgery Friday morning but had returned in time for the 13th vote Friday afternoon.
On Friday night, Aguilar used much of his speech to thank everyone for whom the Capitol is a workplace and called out Republicans for two years ago objecting to the 2020 presidential election and peaceful transfer of power.
McHenry, who said he served with Kevin in his entirety of tenure in the House, said McCarthy’s leadership style has been lacking in the House for too long and called the California representative “unflinchingly optimistic” and relentless.
