The US House may not have a speaker when it convenes. Here’s why

If the House fails to elect a speaker by a majority of votes, it will keep voting until one is chosen [File: Alex Brandon/AP Photo]

Washington, DC – The election of the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives — usually a formality — is a nail-biter this year.

Although Republicans narrowly won the House in November’s midterm elections, GOP leader Kevin McCarthy does not have an assured majority to take the gavel amid opposition from a few members of his own caucus.