alternative?
McCarthy said late on Wednesday that he was making progress, but it was unclear whether he would win over the holdout or the party would have to look for an alternative when the chamber resumes at noon (1700 GMT) on Thursday. .
The possibilities include number two House Republican Steve Scalise and Representative Jim Jordan, who have both said they support McCarthy. Jordan, who received 20 votes when he was nominated on Tuesday.
Republicans may also look to Democrats for help, although House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters they have not been reached out.
Democratic Representative Ro Khanna told Reuters that he and others may support a moderate Republican who would agree to share subpoena power with Democrats and avoid fractiousness on government funding and debt limits.
McCarthy’s supporters said they were sticking with him.
Wednesday’s failed vote – following three failed votes on Tuesday – also served as a rebuke to Trump, who urged Republicans to unite behind McCarthy.
Trump remains an influential figure among Republicans and is so far the only declared presidential candidate for 2024. Some in the party have blamed Trump for the Republicans’ failure to win more congressional seats in the midterms.
Some Republicans said the impasse was not likely to end soon. “It could go into the weekend. We hope it doesn’t, but it could,” said Representative Scott Perry, a Trump ally who has helped spread the former president’s false election claims but opposes McCarthy. Is.