California Rep. McCarthy did not win first House vote
WASHINGTON, D.C. (NBC) - Republican leader Kevin McCarthy did not win the first vote for Speaker of the House Tuesday.
The House now heads to a second ballot - a process that has not happened in 100 years.
During the opening session of Congress, McCarthy, California representative, received support from an overwhelming majority of his GOP conference.
However, McCarthy's chances fell short of the 218 needed to win a simple majority of the 434 house members present.
Nineteen conservatives cast their votes for other candidates.
Meanwhile, Democrats rallied behind the minority leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York.
House rules require lawmakers to keep holding votes for speaker until someone secures 218 votes or a simple majority of members voting.
No other house business can occur until the House selects a speaker.
