McCarthy Fails In Seventh Speaker Vote; Gaetz Votes Trump

House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) failed again to secure enough votes to win the speaker’s gavel in the first ballot on Thursday.

With this defeat, members-elect are expected to participate in another vote, and they will continue to do so until a nominee reaches a majority. There have been seven ballots in three days as of press time.

Nineteen of the 20 GOP defectors voted for Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL). In a first since ballots started Tuesday, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) cast his vote for former President Donald Trump. Gaetz was sitting next to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), who appeared to be amused by his decision.