5 Republicans publicly oppose McCarthy's speakership bid, putting ascension to leadership role in jeopardy

At least five House Republicans are on the record opposing Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy's bid to become speaker when the party takes control in January.

The high-profile defections have raised questions about whether McCarthy, R-Calif., will have the votes necessary to clinch the position on the floor of the House. Officially, 218 votes are needed to elect a speaker when the next Congress assembles on Jan. 3.

McCarthy's margin is significantly narrow. The GOP is expected to wind up with a 222-seat majority in January, compared to an estimated 213 seats for Democrats. If all 435 members of the House are present and voting for speaker in January, McCarthy can lose no more than four Republican votes.

At the moment, there are at least five House Republicans who oppose McCarthy, while several others are seen as on the fence.

"House Republicans need a leader with credibility across every spectrum of the GOP conference in order to be a capable fighting force for the American people," said Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla. "That person is not Kevin McCarthy."

Gaetz, along with GOP Rep. Ralph Norman, of South Carolina, and Rep. Andy Biggs, of Arizona, is seen as a "hard no" on McCarthy. Regardless of the concessions offered, the three are unlikely to vote for the Californian's ascension to speaker.... (Read more)

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