WASHINGTON — House Republicans voted Tuesday to nominate Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy as the next speaker, putting the California lawmaker on track to achieve a long-sought ambition.
But while the GOP is on the verge of securing a narrow House majority, its surprisingly poor performance in last week’s midterm election forced McCarthy to scramble much harder than anticipated to keep his caucus united and behind him.
Even if he wins the top job when the new House convenes next January and elects a speaker, McCarthy faces a difficult road in corralling the party’s factions.
