In a historic first, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives was removed from office last Tuesday. Kevin McCarthy, who represents California’s 20th Congressional District, was elected to the speakership in January after 15 rounds of voting. Failing to gain enough support from the Republican caucus in the first 14, McCarthy offered concessions to the far-right elements of the party, securing him the votes on the 15th round. 

Eight republicans, including Florida representative Matt Gaetz, voted alongside the Democratic caucus to oust McCarthy from the position via a 216–210 vote. One of the concessions McCarthy made in January was a rule change that made it possible for a single member of the House to initiate the removal of the speaker. 

Following the vote, North Carolina representative Patrick McHenry was announced as the new speaker pro tempore. This variation of the pro tempore position was created in 2003 to ensure continuity of government in the event of the speakership becoming vacant. Each speaker is required to create a list of members, which is used to determine the line of succession in the case of a vacancy. 

McHenry has served in the House since 2005 and as the chair of the Committee on Financial Services. He previously served in House GOP leadership, holding the office of House Republican chief deputy whip from 2014 to 2019. 

Until the House votes to elect a new speaker, McHenry will serve in the interim position. Whether he wields the full power of the office or only has the power to oversee the election of a new speaker is up for legal debate. 

The House GOP is expected to meet in a private conference on Oct. 10 to discuss the election. House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (OH-4) and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (LA-1) have both declared their candidacy. After speculation that some members might nominate former president Donald Trump, Trump publicly endorsed Jordan in the race. 

Republicans maintain a slim majority (221–212) in the House. Electing a new speaker requires a simple majority of 218 votes. If neither candidate can secure their party’s endorsement, the House may see another contentious series of votes as it did in January. 

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