House speaker election at ‘a turning point’ despite McCarthy’s 13th loss

Republican is hopeful that deal with far-right detractors could award him speaker title while House business remains paralyzed

The House Republican leader, Kevin McCarthy, came within striking distance of winning the speakership, in a clear sign of momentum despite losing a 13th consecutive vote on the fourth day of a grinding intra-party showdown.

Fifteen far-right holdouts dropped their opposition and voted for McCarthy, after the embattled Republican appeared willing to accept a proposal that would undermine his own power while giving the far-right flank more influence over the legislative process, including the ability to more easily remove a speaker.