Even though Donald Trump called on Republicans to support GOP House leader Kevin McCarthy for Speaker of the House, the party’s hard-right ‘Never-Kevins’ have now lined up behind Byron Donalds of Florida.
After two House votes today, McCarthy lost both. And in a new development, he lost an additional GOP vote as Victoria Spartz of Indiana voted Present in both rounds.
According to the New York Times, Donalds says “a single member threshold for the motion to vacate — the procedural tool that triggers a vote to oust the speaker — remains a key priority for him.”
As in all earlier votes, all 212 Democrats remain united behind Hakeem Jeffries of New York.
BOOM: Kevin McCarthy has just lost the FIFTH vote for Speaker. House Republican disunity, division, and dysfunction deepens.
Meanwhile, ALL OUR 212 Members are UNIFIED behind Hakeem Jeffries
— Ritchie Torres (@RitchieTorres) January 4, 2023
Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) takes a swipe at Donald Trump while nominating Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) for House Speaker:
“The president needs to tell Kevin McCarthy that, ‘Sir, you do not have the votes, and it’s time to withdraw.’” pic.twitter.com/EWzojWoFYh
— The Recount (@therecount) January 4, 2023
Kevin McCarthy has now lost 5 rounds of votes to be US House Speaker…yikes! pic.twitter.com/M8ZMbN85mu
— Gabe Sanchez (@iamgabesanchez) January 4, 2023