House Speaker Kevin McCarthy of Calif., gestures towards the newly installed nameplate at his office after he was sworn in as speaker of the 118th Congress in Washington
* The final vote tally was 216 for McCarthy, 211 for Democrat Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and six 'present' votes
* After the 14th ballot left McCarthy one vote short of the speakership, he immediately walked over to 'present' voters Lauren Boebert and Matt Gaetz
* Rep. Mike Rogers then lunged at Gaetz and had to be held back by Rep. Richard Hudson before an all-out fist fight could break out on the House floor
On the 15th ballot over a series of four days, Rep. Kevin McCarthy finally won the coveted title: Speaker of the House.
'That was easy, huh?' McCarthy began in his victory speech - shortly after South Carolina Representative Mike Rogers had to be held back from attacking Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz.
The two Republicans almost came to blows over Gaetz's refusal to back McCarthy during the 14th vote, costing him that contest, with the violent clash coming as tempers frayed over the mammoth voting-process.
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Update #1: McCarthy elected House speaker in rowdy post-midnight vote (AP)
Update #2: Kevin McCarthy secures Speakership after historic floor battle (The Hill)
WNU Editor: I have to give credit where credit is due.
The "Squad" for the Democrats had the opportunity to gain real power in the last Democrat controlled Congress but folded when threatened, choosing instead to be social and main stream media distractions.
The Republicans in the Freedom caucus wanted to be positioned to have real power and influence, did not fold, and it looks like they got it. Only time will tell if it was worth it.
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