Representative Kevin McCarthy’s chances of becoming House speaker remained in doubt hours before Republicans formally take control of the chamber.
With Republicans holding only a slender majority when the new Congress convenes on Tuesday, McCarthy can’t lose more than four GOP votes in his bid for speaker, and at least 14 Republicans as of Monday still hadn’t promised their support. Some of his most ardent opponents, including Representatives Matt Gaetz of Florida and Bob Good of Virginia, have indicated there’s nothing McCarthy can do to get their votes.
