Washington — The House of Representatives will try again Thursday to elect a speaker after failing on its first six attempts Tuesday and Wednesday, with GOP Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California hoping to win over a faction of conservative members who are vehemently opposed to his candidacy.
McCarthy has fallen short in every round, unable to win a majority of the votes cast. The House, which cannot move on to other business until a speaker is chosen, will reconvene at noon.
Entering the Capitol on Thursday, McCarthy said, “We’re making progress.”
I think people are talking and that’s a good sign. I think that’s very good. Look, we’re all working together to find a solution,” he told reporters. McCarthy met with members opposing his bid for three hours Wednesday night.
Democrats remained united behind Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, who has had the most votes in every round, with the support of all 212 Democratic House lawmakers.
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The GOP breakaway faction on Wednesday nominated Republican Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida in place of Rep. Jim Jordan, who supports McCarthy and says he isn’t seeking the speakership. With Jeffries as the Democrats’ choice to be speaker, the balloting Wednesday marked the first time two Black men were nominated for the post.
Former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on Wednesday morning to try to sway the rebel Republicans toward McCarthy, writing that “it’s now time for all of our GREAT Republican House Members to VOTE FOR KEVIN, CLOSE THE DEAL.” Former Vice President Mike Pence also tweeted his support for McCarthy. But no GOP holdouts moved to back McCarthy following the messages from Trump and Pence.