Kevin McCarthy celebrates with the gavel after being elected speaker of the House of Representatives on Saturday, January 7.
In pictures: McCarthy elected speaker after historic stalemate
Kevin McCarthy celebrates with the gavel after being elected speaker of the House of Representatives on Saturday, January 7.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Updated 2:27 AM EST, Sat January 7, 2023

Produced by CNN Digital's Photo Team

After 15 rounds of voting held over five days, Republican leader Kevin McCarthy has been elected speaker of the US House of Representatives.

The deciding vote started Friday night and ended early Saturday morning. It also came after a dramatic failed vote where McCarthy came up one vote short and confronted US Rep. Matt Gaetz on the House floor.

McCarthy's victory, which came after some concessions and promises to GOP holdouts, means that the House can now proceed with the rest of its business, including administering the oath of office to newly elected members.

This was the first time in 100 years that the election for House speaker had gone to multiple ballots. It was also the longest speaker contest in 164 years.

McCarthy calls his mom after being elected speaker on Saturday.
McCarthy calls his mom after being elected speaker on Saturday.
Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty Images
McCarthy swears in members of the House on Saturday.
McCarthy swears in members of the House on Saturday.
Andrew Harnik/AP
A worker replaces a sign over McCarthy's office on Saturday.
A worker replaces a sign over McCarthy's office on Saturday.
Matt Rourke/AP
In his <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/house-speaker-leadership-vote-01-06-23/h_a428f4e08fecfef1b1155e6b2162c6e5" target="_blank">first speech as House speaker</a>, McCarthy told his colleagues, "Now the hard work begins." He also said: "As speaker of the House, my ultimate responsibility is not to my party, my conference, or even our Congress. My responsibility, our responsibility, is to our country."
In his first speech as House speaker, McCarthy told his colleagues, "Now the hard work begins." He also said: "As speaker of the House, my ultimate responsibility is not to my party, my conference, or even our Congress. My responsibility, our responsibility, is to our country."
Andrew Harnik/AP
McCarthy hugs House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the first Black lawmaker to lead a party in Congress.
McCarthy hugs House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the first Black lawmaker to lead a party in Congress.
Olivier Douliery/AFP/Getty Images
Jeffries speaks from the dais as he prepares to hand the gavel to McCarthy on Saturday.
Jeffries speaks from the dais as he prepares to hand the gavel to McCarthy on Saturday.
Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
McCarthy shakes hands with his predecessor, Nancy Pelosi, after being elected Speaker of the House on Saturday.
McCarthy shakes hands with his predecessor, Nancy Pelosi, after being elected Speaker of the House on Saturday.
Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty Images
McCarthy is congratulated after being elected speaker.
McCarthy is congratulated after being elected speaker.
Alex Brandon/AP
US Rep. Bryan Steil, a Republican from Wisconsin, holds up the tally sheet after the deciding vote Saturday.
US Rep. Bryan Steil, a Republican from Wisconsin, holds up the tally sheet after the deciding vote Saturday.
Andrew Harnik/AP
The votes are tallied on the 15th and deciding ballot.
The votes are tallied on the 15th and deciding ballot.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
A girl in the House chamber watches a motion to adjourn vote that failed Friday night.
A girl in the House chamber watches a motion to adjourn vote that failed Friday night.
Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call/AP
US Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Republican from Florida, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/house-speaker-leadership-vote-01-06-23/h_da74b31cd2077be53c50d5ca1ccb0359" target="_blank">points at McCarthy after McCarthy confronted him</a> over his "present" vote on the 14th ballot Friday.
US Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Republican from Florida, points at McCarthy after McCarthy confronted him over his "present" vote on the 14th ballot Friday.
Alex Brandon/AP
US Rep. Richard Hudson, a Republican from North Carolina, pulls back Rep. Mike Rogers, a Republican from Alabama, during McCarthy's tense exchange with Gaetz.
US Rep. Richard Hudson, a Republican from North Carolina, pulls back Rep. Mike Rogers, a Republican from Alabama, during McCarthy's tense exchange with Gaetz.
Andrew Harnik/AP
Congressional staffers watch the final minutes of the 14th vote Friday night.
Congressional staffers watch the final minutes of the 14th vote Friday night.
Nathan Howard/Getty Images
US Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene, a Republican from Georgia, holds a phone with the initials "DT" on the screen on Friday night. Her spokesman confirmed it was former President Donald Trump on the phone.
US Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene, a Republican from Georgia, holds a phone with the initials "DT" on the screen on Friday night. Her spokesman confirmed it was former President Donald Trump on the phone.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
McCarthy reacts after losing the 14th vote.
McCarthy reacts after losing the 14th vote.
Alex Brandon/AP
Gaetz arrives to the House chamber on Friday.
Gaetz arrives to the House chamber on Friday.
Win McNamee/Getty Images
Four of the Republican holdouts who flipped their support to McCarthy on Friday -- from left, Byron Donalds, Dan Bishop, Andy Ogles and Chip Roy -- talk to the media after a vote.
Four of the Republican holdouts who flipped their support to McCarthy on Friday -- from left, Byron Donalds, Dan Bishop, Andy Ogles and Chip Roy -- talk to the media after a vote.
Nathan Howard/Getty Images
Television reporters prepare to do their stand-ups from the Capitol on Friday.
Television reporters prepare to do their stand-ups from the Capitol on Friday.
Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images
US Rep. Paul Gosar, a Republican from Arizona, casts his vote on a motion to adjourn until Friday night.
US Rep. Paul Gosar, a Republican from Arizona, casts his vote on a motion to adjourn until Friday night.
Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images
Republican House members who previously voted against McCarthy speak to the media Friday after flipping their votes in his favor.
Republican House members who previously voted against McCarthy speak to the media Friday after flipping their votes in his favor.
Nathan Howard/Getty Images
Bishop, who had previously voted against McCarthy but backed him Friday, talks to fellow GOP Rep. Mary Miller and Rep.-elect Anna Paulina Luna.
Bishop, who had previously voted against McCarthy but backed him Friday, talks to fellow GOP Rep. Mary Miller and Rep.-elect Anna Paulina Luna.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Reporters work in the press gallery that overlooks the House chamber on Friday.
Reporters work in the press gallery that overlooks the House chamber on Friday.
Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
McCarthy leaves the House chamber on Friday.
McCarthy leaves the House chamber on Friday.
Al Drago/Bloomberg/Getty Images
US Rep. Andy Harris, a Republican from Maryland, was the 15th GOP holdout to switch to McCarthy on Friday.
US Rep. Andy Harris, a Republican from Maryland, was the 15th GOP holdout to switch to McCarthy on Friday.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
US Rep. Victoria Spartz, a Republican from Indiana, prepares for a television interview. She was among those who flipped to McCarthy on Friday.
US Rep. Victoria Spartz, a Republican from Indiana, prepares for a television interview. She was among those who flipped to McCarthy on Friday.
Al Drago/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries talk during a vote on Friday.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries talk during a vote on Friday.
Alex Brandon/AP
House members read a printed news article inside the chamber on Friday.
House members read a printed news article inside the chamber on Friday.
Andrew Harnik/AP
Gosar, center left, and Gaetz talk near the back of the House chamber on Friday. Gosar flipped to McCarthy at this vote. Gaetz voted against McCarthy.
Gosar, center left, and Gaetz talk near the back of the House chamber on Friday. Gosar flipped to McCarthy at this vote. Gaetz voted against McCarthy.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
US Rep. Mike Bost, a Republican from Illinois, yells at Gaetz while Gaetz was speaking on Friday.
US Rep. Mike Bost, a Republican from Illinois, yells at Gaetz while Gaetz was speaking on Friday.
Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
Republican members walk out of the chamber as Gaetz nominates Rep. Jim Jordan on Friday.
Republican members walk out of the chamber as Gaetz nominates Rep. Jim Jordan on Friday.
Alex Brandon/AP
US Rep. Clay Higgins puts a Bible on Clyde's back as he votes for McCarthy on Friday.
US Rep. Clay Higgins puts a Bible on Clyde's back as he votes for McCarthy on Friday.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
McCarthy leaves a private meeting room off the House floor as he negotiates with lawmakers in his own party on Thursday.
McCarthy leaves a private meeting room off the House floor as he negotiates with lawmakers in his own party on Thursday.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP
A board displays the vote count on a <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/house-speaker-leadership-vote-01-05-23/h_69b095c1303b5fee218e77dd4bb36ce6" target="_blank">motion to adjourn</a> on Thursday evening. The House voted to adjourn until noon on Friday.
A board displays the vote count on a motion to adjourn on Thursday evening. The House voted to adjourn until noon on Friday.
Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images
US Rep. Nancy Mace, a Democrat from New York, holds a dog as she casts her vote on a motion to adjourn on Thursday.
US Rep. Nancy Mace, a Democrat from New York, holds a dog as she casts her vote on a motion to adjourn on Thursday.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Democrats yell "no" in unison to Thursday's motion to adjourn.
Democrats yell "no" in unison to Thursday's motion to adjourn.
Alex Brandon/AP
McCarthy stands alone at the back of the House chamber on Thursday after the 10th failed vote for House speaker.
McCarthy stands alone at the back of the House chamber on Thursday after the 10th failed vote for House speaker.
Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
US Rep. Byron Donalds, a Republican from Florida who had been receiving speakership votes, heads to the office of Majority Whip Tom Emmer for continued negotiations on Thursday.
US Rep. Byron Donalds, a Republican from Florida who had been receiving speakership votes, heads to the office of Majority Whip Tom Emmer for continued negotiations on Thursday.
Samuel Corum/Sipa/AP
A tally sheet of votes is seen in the House chamber on Thursday.
A tally sheet of votes is seen in the House chamber on Thursday.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
A live video feed of the House chamber is shown in the Capitol's Statuary Hall on Thursday.
A live video feed of the House chamber is shown in the Capitol's Statuary Hall on Thursday.
Leah Millis/Reuters
US Rep. Jeff Van Drew, a Republican from New Jersey, rubs his temples before the 10th vote.
US Rep. Jeff Van Drew, a Republican from New Jersey, rubs his temples before the 10th vote.
Alex Brandon/AP
Gaetz, left, and Jeffries, right, speak with other members of the House on Thursday.
Gaetz, left, and Jeffries, right, speak with other members of the House on Thursday.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
The Capitol is lit up on Thursday evening.
The Capitol is lit up on Thursday evening.
Eric Lee/Bloomberg/Getty Images
House clerk <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/house-speaker-leadership-vote-01-05-23/h_07d80899341389b4047306cdc50b0b7e" target="_blank">Cheryl Johnson</a> receives a standing ovation in the House chamber on Thursday.
House clerk Cheryl Johnson receives a standing ovation in the House chamber on Thursday.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Shadows of lawmakers are cast on the House chamber wall on Thursday.
Shadows of lawmakers are cast on the House chamber wall on Thursday.
Jon Cherry/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Pelosi talks to fellow lawmakers on Thursday.
Pelosi talks to fellow lawmakers on Thursday.
Tom Williams/CQ Roll Calll/AP
US Rep. Scott Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, is interviewed on Thursday. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/house-speaker-leadership-vote-01-05-23/h_6e8d22c62007959fadc4b4758701c0f1" target="_blank">Perry said he needed more changes</a> before he could vote for McCarthy.
US Rep. Scott Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, is interviewed on Thursday. Perry said he needed more changes before he could vote for McCarthy.
Julio Cortez/AP
Gaetz applauds during one of Thursday's votes. Gaetz has been one of the Republicans voting against McCarthy, and on Thursday he even cast votes for former President Donald Trump. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/house-speaker-leadership-vote-01-05-23/h_1d4ca25219080226a8285766c395b803" target="_blank">He told CNN Thursday</a> that the vote for speakership can end in two ways: "Either Kevin McCarthy withdraws from the race, or we construct a straitjacket that he is unable to evade."
Gaetz applauds during one of Thursday's votes. Gaetz has been one of the Republicans voting against McCarthy, and on Thursday he even cast votes for former President Donald Trump. He told CNN Thursday that the vote for speakership can end in two ways: "Either Kevin McCarthy withdraws from the race, or we construct a straitjacket that he is unable to evade."
Eric Lee/Bloomberg/Getty Images
US Rep. Lauren Boebert, another Republican opposing McCarthy, delivers remarks on Thursday. She threw Rep. Kevin Hern's name into the ring, calling him "a true leader" who can unify the conference.
US Rep. Lauren Boebert, another Republican opposing McCarthy, delivers remarks on Thursday. She threw Rep. Kevin Hern's name into the ring, calling him "a true leader" who can unify the conference.
Win McNamee/Getty Images
McCarthy looks at his phone ahead of the ninth round of voting.
McCarthy looks at his phone ahead of the ninth round of voting.
Andrew Harnik/AP
US Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene alks away after giving a television interview at the Capitol on Thursday.
US Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene alks away after giving a television interview at the Capitol on Thursday.
Julio Cortez/AP
McCarthy, left, talks with US Rep. Andrew Clyde after the failed seventh vote. Clyde, from Georgia, was one of the Republicans who initially voted against McCarthy getting the speakership.
McCarthy, left, talks with US Rep. Andrew Clyde after the failed seventh vote. Clyde, from Georgia, was one of the Republicans who initially voted against McCarthy getting the speakership.
Alex Brandon/AP
Jeffries and others recite the Pledge of Allegiance before the start of voting on Thursday.
Jeffries and others recite the Pledge of Allegiance before the start of voting on Thursday.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
US Rep. John James, a Republican from Michigan, nominated McCarthy for the seventh vote. James <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/house-speaker-leadership-vote-01-05-23/h_d8549119fda272945e587065d91b95f0" target="_blank">made a plea for unity</a> in his nomination speech, saying, the "issues that divide us today are much less severe that they were in 1856; in fact, there's far more that unite us, than divide us, regardless of our political party of ideology."
US Rep. John James, a Republican from Michigan, nominated McCarthy for the seventh vote. James made a plea for unity in his nomination speech, saying, the "issues that divide us today are much less severe that they were in 1856; in fact, there's far more that unite us, than divide us, regardless of our political party of ideology."
Andrew Harnik/AP
US Rep. Clay Higgins, a Republican from Louisiana, prays in the House chamber on Thursday.
US Rep. Clay Higgins, a Republican from Louisiana, prays in the House chamber on Thursday.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
McCarthy speaks with members of the media as he leaves the House chamber on Wednesday.
McCarthy speaks with members of the media as he leaves the House chamber on Wednesday.
Al Drago/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Reporters in the press gallery look at results of the vote to adjourn on Wednesday.
Reporters in the press gallery look at results of the vote to adjourn on Wednesday.
Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images
Vote results are displayed on a wall in the House chamber on Wednesday.
Vote results are displayed on a wall in the House chamber on Wednesday.
Olivier Douliery/AFP/Getty Images
Members of the House Republican caucus, including McCarthy, gather to negotiate Wednesday in the Capitol office of Republican Whip Tom Emmer.
Members of the House Republican caucus, including McCarthy, gather to negotiate Wednesday in the Capitol office of Republican Whip Tom Emmer.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
McCarthy talks to colleagues inside the House chamber on Wednesday.
McCarthy talks to colleagues inside the House chamber on Wednesday.
Win McNamee/Getty Images
The House holds its second vote Wednesday -- its fifth of the week.
The House holds its second vote Wednesday -- its fifth of the week.
Samuel Corum/Sipa/AP
US Rep. Jerry Nadler, a Democrat from New York, reads a book in the House chamber on Wednesday.
US Rep. Jerry Nadler, a Democrat from New York, reads a book in the House chamber on Wednesday.
Jack Gruber/USA Today Network
Gaetz passionately addresses other conservatives on the House floor after Wednesday's first failed vote.
Gaetz passionately addresses other conservatives on the House floor after Wednesday's first failed vote.
Alex Brandon/AP
Members of the House have discussions inside the chamber on Wednesday.
Members of the House have discussions inside the chamber on Wednesday.
Andrew Harnik/AP
US Rep. Kat Cammack, a Republican from Florida, nominated McCarthy for the sixth vote. In her nomination, Cammack acknowledged the stalemate, calling her speech "Groundhog Day, again."
US Rep. Kat Cammack, a Republican from Florida, nominated McCarthy for the sixth vote. In her nomination, Cammack acknowledged the stalemate, calling her speech "Groundhog Day, again."
Win McNamee/Getty Images
House Clerk Cheryl Johnson looks over vote totals Wednesday.
House Clerk Cheryl Johnson looks over vote totals Wednesday.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
McCarthy is seen on the House floor during a vote Wednesday.
McCarthy is seen on the House floor during a vote Wednesday.
Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc/Getty Images
Donalds speaks to the media on the House steps Wednesday. Donalds told CNN that the chief demand was to allow just one member to call for a vote seeking a speaker's ouster.
Donalds speaks to the media on the House steps Wednesday. Donalds told CNN that the chief demand was to allow just one member to call for a vote seeking a speaker's ouster.
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
McCarthy is reflected on a podium Wednesday.
McCarthy is reflected on a podium Wednesday.
Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
Jeffries, a Democrat from New York who will become the first Black lawmaker to lead a party in Congress, watches Rep. Katherine Clark, a Democrat from Massachusetts, have a conversation on Wednesday.
Jeffries, a Democrat from New York who will become the first Black lawmaker to lead a party in Congress, watches Rep. Katherine Clark, a Democrat from Massachusetts, have a conversation on Wednesday.
Al Drago/Bloomberg/Getty Images