McCarthy’s Bid For House Speaker Picks Up Steam As Several GOP Holdouts Flip Sides

California Congressman Kevin McCarthy’s bid to become the next Speaker of the House gains momentum on Friday as several Republican holdouts flipped and decided to give him their vote. This has been an extremely difficult fight for McCarthy as the diehard conservatives in the House have been making it clear that the American people are sick and tired of the establishment, a point that should have been taken when Donald Trump became president in 2016.

The Daily Wire’s report says, “Of the 20 holdouts, 13 Republican members-elect joined the rest of their conference to support McCarthy in the first ballot of the day. They included: Dan Bishop (NC), Josh Brecheen (OK), Mike Cloud (TX), Andrew Clyde (GA), Byron Donalds (FL), Paul Gosar (AZ), Anna Paulina Luna (FL), Mary Miller (IL), Ralph Norman (SC), Andy Ogles (TN), Scott Perry (PA), Chip Roy (TX), and Keith Self (TX). Andy Harris (MD) flipped for McCarthy in the second ballot.”

Republican Rep. Victoria Spartz of Indiana, who voted in support of McCarthy on Tuesday and then “present” on both Wednesday and Thursday, once again cast her vote for the California congressman on Friday. Talk about being wishy-washy. Geesh.

“Each vote by a holdout for McCarthy was met with loud cheers and applause in the House chamber. McCarthy still does not have a majority, and needs to sway just a few more holdouts to secure the speaker’s gavel. Democrats have voted as a bloc since Tuesday in support for Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY),” the report continues.

After the second ballot on Friday, the House agreed to adjourn until 10 p.m. It’s going to be a long, long day in Washington. However, it’s critical that the right person for the position be chosen, as it will set the stage for what is accomplished by the GOP while they have control of the lower chamber.

“McCarthy told reporters that he’s feeling “very good” about the flipped votes, according to CNN. Timing will play a roll moving forward, as House Republican leadership expects Ken Buck (R-CO) and Wesley Hunt (R-TX) to return Friday evening to support McCarthy, according to Punchbowl News’ Jake Sherman. Buck reportedly left the chamber Thursday for a medical appointment, while Hunt traveled to Texas to be with his wife after she gave birth,” the Daily Wire says.

Maryland Democrat David Trone missed the first ballot cast on Friday because of a medical procedure, but got back in time for the second vote.

7AM: Surgery
2PM: Back at the Capitol, still wearing my slippers and hospital socks

Time to vote for Hakeem Jeffries! pic.twitter.com/Xvyg8VL4Wp

— Rep. David Trone (@RepDavidTrone) January 6, 2023

“The final tally in Friday’s second ballot was 214 votes for McCarthy, 212 votes for Jeffries, and six for Jim Jordan (OH). Friday was the first day McCarthy earned more votes than Jeffries. This comes after the House on Thursday reached double-digit ballots for the first time since before the Civil War,” the Daily Wire states.

Since Tuesday, there have been a total of 13 ballots. Here are the names of the Republicans who have refused to pledge a vote for McCarthy: Andy Biggs (AZ), Lauren Boebert (CO), Matt Gaetz (FL), Eli Crane (AZ), Bob Good (VA), Matt Rosendale (MT).

During the first ballot on Friday, Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert nominated Oklahoma Republican Rep. Kevin Hern for the position, while Gaetz nominated Jordan. Despite getting these votes, both have continued to put support behind McCarthy.

.@RepMattGaetz: "You only earn the position of Speaker of the House if you can get the votes. Mr. McCarthy doesn't have the votes today. He will not have the votes tomorrow. And he will not have the votes next week, next month, next year." #118thCongress pic.twitter.com/yDBpqdyuX0

— CSPAN (@cspan) January 6, 2023

“McCarthy and House Freedom Caucus leaders made progress overnight in negotiating a deal that would offer rule changes and committee positions, according to NBC News. This deal reportedly included a concession allowing just one member to force a ‘motion to vacate,’ which is essentially a no-confidence vote,” the report adds.

NEWS: Keith Self’s statement on changing his vote for McCarthy today — says their talks have moved the House towards being more functional and also says there are “obstructionists” just trying to promote themselves pic.twitter.com/IiH0vodeAB

— Olivia Beavers (@Olivia_Beavers) January 6, 2023

One of the reasons it’s so imperative to get a speaker chosen quickly is because new members cannot be sworn in until its done.