House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) reacts on the House floor of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, January 3, 2023, as he votes for House Speaker on the first day of the 118th Congress. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Winn McNamee/Getty Images
hide caption
toggle caption
Winn McNamee/Getty Images
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) reacts on the House floor of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, January 3, 2023, as he votes for House Speaker on the first day of the 118th Congress. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Winn McNamee/Getty Images
The 118th Congress opened its doors today, and the House’s first task was to elect a new Speaker. However, after multiple ballots, none of the candidates managed to secure a clear majority vote. This means that the House of Commons cannot perform official duties. California Republican Kevin McCarthy was widely expected to run for the position, but faced significant opposition from his own party members.
This episode: Political Correspondent Susan Davis, Congressional Correspondent Deirdre Walsh, Senior Political Editor and Correspondent Domenico Montanaro.
This episode was produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morrell. Edited by Casey Morrell. Executive Producer Mutoni Muturi. Investigation and fact-checking by Katherine Swartz. Thanks to Lexie Schapitl.
Support The NPR Politics Podcast+ to unlock access to this and other bonus content. Apple Podcasts or plus.npr.org.
connection:
Email your show to nprpolitics@npr.org
Join the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.
Subscribe to the NPR Politics newsletter.