House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy would very much like to become speaker when the new House of Representatives convenes in January, but, thus far, he’s having trouble finding the votes that would confirm him to the chamber’s top position.
Mr McCarthy, a Californian, has led the Republican caucus since 2019. His party won a narrow House majority in the midterm elections, re-taking control of the House for the first time since he assumed the leadership position following former Speaker Paul Ryan’s retirement, and setting up his bid for speaker.
