WASHINGTON — At his election night party Tuesday, Kevin McCarthy was heralded as the next speaker of the House.
But Republicans on Wednesday found little to celebrate as disappointing results rolled in from battleground districts across the country and the much-touted red wave failed to materialize.
McCarthy, R-Calif., is still favored to become the next speaker — a long-coveted but elusive position that would make him the most powerful politician in the lower chamber and second in line to the presidency.
