(CNN) — Kevin McCarthy was chosen Speaker of the House of Representatives in the early hours of Saturday morning, a huge victory for the California Republican that elevates him to a powerful position at the head of the Republican majority in the House and a result that followed days of arduous negotiations and failed votes.
To secure the gavel, McCarthy had to undermine the opposition of a bloc of hardline Conservatives in what became the longest feud in 164 years. To win over critics, McCarthy and his allies made a series of concessions to conservatives, a move that frustrated moderates who worried that the concessions could make it more difficult for the new Republican majority to govern effectively.
The final tally on Ballot 15 was 216 votes for McCarthy, 212 for House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, with six representatives voting “present.”
A group of hardline Republicans stymied McCarthy’s bid to become House speaker for several days, even after negotiations moved forward Thursday night. The California representative had to make some concessions to win several additional votes.
Several days of stagnation gave way to dramatic moments on Friday night. In round 14, a extraordinary scenewith McCarthy confronting Rep. Matt Gaetz, whose vote on that ticket could have landed him the job he has sought for so long.
After a failed motion to adjourn until Monday, McCarthy finally got the votes to secure the job.
When the victory was announced, Representatives Steve Scalise, Elise Stefanik and Ryan Zinke, the last member to vote, rushed to McCarthy with their ballot cards for him to sign.
Crédito: Win McNamee/Getty Images
The entire Republican conference applauded to their feet. McCarthy hugged many members who came up to him and greeted the people in the gallery.
McCarthy stood up, expressed relief, and said, “I’m glad it’s over.”
He also denied that Rep. Matt Gaetz was being offered a subcommittee chair in exchange for his “present” vote for chair, saying it would be up to the board of directors to decide those appointments.
McCarthy celebrates after the election. Credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images
“No one is promised anything,” McCarthy said. “No matter what happens in the direction.”
The Republican Party has only a slim majority in the chamber (222 Republicans to 212 Democrats), which meant that McCarthy could not afford many defections.
McCarthy represents California and previously served as House Minority Leader. McCarthy has already promised to start multiple investigations about President Joe Biden and his administration.
The House can now go about the rest of its business, including administering the oath of office to newly elected members.
Biden and Trump congratulate McCarthy
President Joe Biden issued a statement congratulating House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on his victory.
In his statement, the president said:
“Jill and I congratulate Kevin McCarthy on his election as Speaker of the House. As I said after the midterms, I am prepared to work with Republicans when I can, and the voters have made it clear that they expect Republicans to be prepared to work with me as well. Now that the leadership of the House of Representatives has been decided, it is time for that process to begin.”
For his part, former President Donald Trump celebrated the Republican representative with a message on his social network.
“The presidential selection process, as crazy as it sounds, has made it so much bigger and more important than if it was done in the more conventional way. Congratulations to Kevin McCarthy and our GREAT Republican Party!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The post comes after the former president made some last-minute calls and spoke with Reps. Andy Biggs and Matt Gaetz while on the House floor, a source told CNN.
The former president called after it appeared that Rep. Kevin McCarthy was not going to secure the presidency.