House Speaker Tussle (Cont.)

Efforts to select a new speaker of the House head into their third day today after Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R, CA-23) failed to secure the necessary support in a series of chamber votes yesterday. McCarthy, previously the GOP minority leader, entered as the most likely candidate to take the gavel after Republicans won a slim majority in November.

Needing 218 votes, McCarthy garnered 203, 203, and 202 votes Tuesday in three successive failed attempts. Despite a public appeal for support from former President Donald Trump, McCarthy remained at 201 votes after the sixth round yesterday.

Dissenting Republicans switched from backing Rep. Jim Jordan (R, OH-4) to Rep. Byron Donalds (R, FL-19), a 44-year-old conservative entering his second term. Democrats unanimously supported incoming minority leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D, NY-8).

The minimum number of votes required to win may be lower than 218 if some members abstain or vote "present," though too many GOP abstentions may potentially allow Jeffries to be named speaker. See how the process works here.