McCarthy has needed 218 votes to become Speaker of the House but that has now changed.
One House Republican, a McCarthy supporter, is unavailable to vote tonight and most of tomorrow and because of his absence, the majority number of votes has changed from 218 to 217.
Here’s more from Chad Pergram:
1) GOP CO Rep Ken Buck is traveling to a medical appointment. He is now out tonight and most of the day tomorrow. He is a McCarthy supporter
It’s about the math,.
This means 433 total members-elect are voting
432 are casting ballots for someone by name.— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) January 5, 2023
2) That means the bar under these circumstances in 217 to win an outright majority, voting for someone by name.
Rep.-elect Victoria Spartz (R-IN) continues to vote present— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) January 5, 2023
This is not a huge deal, but since it does change the number I thought it was worth knowing in case something shocking happened tonight or tomorrow.
If enough Republicans couldn’t be there for some reason, then it could be a catastrophe if suddenly the number became 212 because then Jeffries would win.