Hardline Republicans block McCarthy's first bid for House Speaker

STORY: In an embarrassing beginning to what could prove to be a brutal showdown between hardliners and most House Republicans, McCarthy fell short of the 218-vote majority needed to succeed Democrat Nancy Pelosi as speaker. It was the first time in a century that the House had failed to elect a speaker on the first vote.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries outran McCarthy in the ballot by 212 to 203 votes, as 19 Republicans opted for a different candidate. McCarthy's conservative Republican rival, Representative Andy Biggs, garnered 10 votes. A majority of those voting, not a plurality, is needed to determine a speaker.