Latest On U.S. House Speaker Vote

UNITED STATES – Representative Kevin McCarthy was defeated on a 13th ballot for U.S. House Speaker despite gaining momentum and some holdout votes.

He needs more republican hardliners to flip their support or vote “Present,” to lower the threshold. He needs 218 votes to secure the seat.

So far he has managed to flip 15 lawmakers, and says he’s confident he’ll have the votes for the speaker’s gavel.

The house can’t kick off a new congress or swear in new members until a speaker is elected.