GOP leader Kevin McCarthy beat back a conservative rebellion and won election as the 54th speaker of the House early Saturday morning, following a chaotic confrontation on the House floor between his allies and his far-right opponents and ending four days of deadlock.
The California Republican’s narrow victory came on the 15th ballot — the fifth-longest speaker vote in American history by number of ballots and the longest such vote in 164 years.
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McCarthy received more votes than he needed to win the coveted gavel, with his most vocal opponents voting present. All Democrats rallied behind their nominee, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York.
For more, visit NBCNews.com.