McCarthy loses third speaker vote, Donalds defects to Jordan

In the second vote, Republican detractors lined up behind Jordan, who received all Republican votes not cast for McCarthy.

By Ben Whedon

Published: January 3, 2023 3:05pm

Updated: January 3, 2023 5:08pm

California Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy lost his bid for speaker on the chamber's third vote, losing one additional vote as Florida Republican Rep. Byron Donalds broke ranks to back Ohio Republican Rep. Jim Jordan.

McCarthy claimed 202 votes, all from Republicans, while Jordan gained one additional vote for a total of 20. Donalds previously voted for McCarthy twice.

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California Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy failed to clinch the Speaker's gavel on the second chamber-wide vote, as a number of conservatives in the Republican caucus lined up behind Ohio Republican Rep. Jim Jordan.

McCarthy became the first speaker candidate to lose on the first round in a century after ten Republicans voted for Republican Rep. Andy Biggs, Ariz., and a further nine opted for other candidates.

In the second vote, Republican detractors all cast their votes for Jordan, whom Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz nominated for the post.

McCarthy's vote total remained the same as on the first ballot, with 203 Republicans backing him.