Is the third time the charm for the House Republican Conference?
Following multiple rounds of secret ballot votes, the divided GOP caucus has selected its latest nominee for speaker of the House.
It remains to be seen if they have sufficient support to reach the 217 vote threshold that's eluded every candidate so far.
Despite former President Donald Trump's opposition to his candidacy and incessant attacks posted online by MAGA influencers, GOP Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) prevailed on the fifth round.
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y), the House Republican Conference chair, first announced the news.
Emmer had secured McCarthy's endorsement but failed to gain Trump's support, likely for voting to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election following contrived allegations of widespread voter fraud.
In total, nine candidates jumped into the speaker's race following Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan's abrupt departure. Besides Emmer, they were Reps. Mike Johnson (La.), Jack Bergman (Mich.), Byron Donalds (Fla.), Kevin Hern (Okla.), Gary Palmer (Ala.), Austin Scott (Ga.), Pete Session (Texas) and Dan Meuser of Pennsylvania. One by one, their dreams of wielding the speaker's gavel fizzled.
Of course, winning the speaker nomination is one thing, as Steve Scalise (La.) and Jordan can attest. Surviving a floor vote is another beast altogether.
Discussing the stalemate among House Republicans with reporters last night on the campaign trail, Trump joked that the only person who could get 217 votes right now is Jesus Christ.
Emmer has his work cut out for him already.
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