Kevin McCarthy has been chosen as the new Speaker of the US House of Representatives following contentious arguments that nearly resulted in physical altercations between Republicans.
Despite his party having a majority in the parliament, it took Mr. McCarthy 15 rounds of voting to gain the position.
The dramatic lobbying campaign to get party dissident Matt Gaetz to vote for Mr. McCarthy took place live on the House floor before it happened.
The congressman from Florida was one of six skeptics who caved late on Friday.
Rep. Mike Rogers, a backer of Mr. McCarthy, and Mr. Gaetz had previously engaged in heated exchanges in the chamber and nearly exchanged blows. The congressman from Alabama yelled and pointed his finger at Mr. Gaetz, and his colleagues had to physically detain him.
The Speaker controls legislative action and establishes the House’s agenda. After the US vice president, the position is second in line for the presidency.
Following his confirmation, Mr. McCarthy expressed the following on Twitter: “After this week, I hope one thing is abundantly clear: I will never quit up. And I’ll never stop fighting for you, the people of America.”
According to Mr. McCarthy, former President Trump assisted him in winning the decisive votes. He told reporters, “I don’t believe anyone should deny his influence.”
