After a historically lengthy election in the House of Representatives, US President Joe Biden congratulated the new House Speaker, Kevin McCarthy. “Voters have made it clear that they expect Republicans to work with me,” Democrat Biden wrote in a statement. McCarthy is now the third most powerful politician in the US by office; the Republican majority in the House of Representatives can block important projects by the US President.
There had been a dramatic showdown surrounding McCarthy’s election. When many were already expecting a breakthrough, the Republican failed again, in the 14th ballot McCarthy was only missing a single vote for victory. But his biggest opponents in his own party allowed him to appear in the plenary hall at the last minute, despite desperate attempts to negotiate.
In the early hours of Saturday he was finally elected in the 15th ballot. In the meantime, there was a heated exchange between the camps of supporters and opponents of McCarthy and almost fisticuffs, as could be seen on live video recordings. “I’m glad it’s over,” said the 57-year-old after his election victory.
“One more time” chanted Republicans
The vote had dragged on for four days. McCarthy had failed in so many elections because right-wing opponents refused to support him. They are supporters of former President Donald Trump, who, however, supports McCarthy.
The vote for the top job is among the longest in US history. Not since the 19th century has it taken the members of the House of Representatives as many attempts to elect a new leader as it does now. The last time there were more ballots was only in 1859/1860. At that time, Republican William Pennington was only elected chairman of the Chamber of Congress in the 44th ballot. The process took several weeks at the time.