Congress politicians start their fourth attempt to elect a new “speaker” – news Urix – Foreign news and documentaries

Last night it became clear: For the first time in 100 years, there is voting chaos surrounding the election of a new leader for the House of Representatives. Tonight the politicians are gathering to make another attempt – the fourth in a row – to elect a new “speaker”. This is the third most important political position in the United States after the President and Vice President. None of the three votes held on Tuesday gave Republican favorite Kevin McCarthy the majority he needs to become leader. He faced opposition from his most conservative party colleagues. After the third defeat, McCarthy told CNN that he has no intention of retiring. Photo: EVELYN HOCKSTEIN / Reuters Key figure: 218 votes The Republicans have won 222 seats in the House of Representatives after the by-elections this autumn. To be elected as leader, a candidate needs the support of more than half of the 435 representatives. This means that a new leader must have a majority. If all politicians vote, it means support from at least 218 representatives. In other words: McCarthy does not get a majority if more than four Republicans vote for another candidate. Must “turn” 15 party members In the third and final round of voting on Tuesday, McCarthy received 202 votes. The last 20 Republican votes went to another Republican politician, Jim Jordan. He was nominated by a group of conservative Republicans who would not vote for McCarthy. This happened after Jordan himself had given his support to McCarthy and asked his party members to vote for him. Before the next vote tonight, McCarthy must therefore manage to “turn” 15 of the conservative Republicans who have previously voted against him. Among the Democrats, all voted for the party’s candidate, Hakeem Jeffries, in all three constituencies. He got 212 votes. The mood was tense during yesterday’s votes in the House of Representatives. Photo: EVELYN HOCKSTEIN / Reuters



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