U.S.: Kevin McCarthy wins House Speaker after 15 voting rounds

Mr McCarthy said his victory — that took 4 days and 15 voting rounds — was a demonstration of his resilience as he would never give up in his quest.

ADEFEMOLA AKINTADE • January 7, 2023

Kevin McCarthy [Credit: AP Photo/Alex Brandon]

Kevin McCarthy has finally been elected Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives, after 15 rounds of voting that almost saw Republicans exchange blows.

Strong McCarthy supporter Mike Rogers had to be forcibly held by other lawmakers to prevent a fight from starting between him and Matt Gaetz, a fervent opposer of the newly elected speaker.

Mr McCarthy said his victory — that took 4 days and 15 voting rounds — was a demonstration of his resilience as he would never give up in his quest to serve the American people.

“I hope one thing is clear after this week: I will never give up. And I will never give up for you, the American people,” tweeted Mr McCarthy in reaction to his victory.

U.S. President Joe Biden, congratulated the new speaker and asked him to “govern responsibly.”

“The American people expect their leaders to govern in a way that puts their needs above all else, and that is what we need to do now,” Mr Biden said in a statement after Mr McCarthy’s tough victory.

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