The United States House of Representatives today elects a new president. Normally it’s just a formality, but due to divisions in the Republican Party, this year could be quite a show. More rounds of voting may very well be needed for the first time in a hundred years.
In the US midterm elections in November, Republicans won a narrow majority in the House of Representatives. With the majority, the party can vote for its presidential candidate.
That candidate is California Congressman Kevin McCarthy. He was chosen by his own party as a presidential candidate. But not everyone in the party is happy about it.
For example, it receives fierce criticism from the far right of the party, which supports the line of former President Trump. Since Republicans don’t have a large majority (222 of 435 seats), opposition from a small group could already jeopardize McCarthy’s presidency.
If the 57-year-old McCarthy fails to convince the House in one round, several rounds will follow. The latter happened in 1923.
No alternative within the Republican Party
Electing the Speaker is the House’s first task in the new term, which begins today. It also happens before MPs are sworn in. Until there is a president, parliament cannot get to work.
Incidentally, McCarthy can also be elected with fewer than 218 votes. This is possible, for example, when some MPs are absent from the vote.
The Republican candidate faces the vote with confidence. “I think it’s going to be a good day,” he said of Monday night’s polling day.
The advantage McCarthy has is that no other suitable candidate has yet emerged within the Republican Party. That means the party chairman remains the strongest contender to replace outgoing Democrat Nancy Pelosi.
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