(TheRedWire.com) – On Tuesday, for the first time in the history of the United States, Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted from the Speakership after Florida Representative Matt Gaetz introduced a “motion to vacate.”
Gaetz had his motion backed by many conservatives who disapproved of McCarthy’s party leadership and many Democrats who did not believe McCarthy was suitable for the leadership position. This has led to chaos in the Republican leadership as McCarthy has no clear successor.
The Republican party currently has a slim lead in the House, which could make it hard for someone to win the position. McCarthy may once again nominate himself for the role; however, according to reports from Tuesday evening, he does not intend to join the Speakership race again.
The final vote in the House ousting McCarthy ended with 216 votes against McCarthy and 210 against him. As a result of the vote, the office of Speaker was left vacant. Following McCarthy’s exit, Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., became the speaker pro tempore per House rules. He will serve in the role until the selection of a new speaker.
Following this decision, the House went into a brief recess during which lawmakers discussed possible moves forward. Before the vote on the motion to vacate, an earlier vote had taken place in which, in a 218-208, it was decided that the motion would not be tabled. The motion was allowed to move forward by 11 Republicans.
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