McCarthy Confronts Gaetz After Failing Again to Secure House Speakership

Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) was on the verge Friday night of becoming the next speaker of the House — but was left one vote short when old foe Rep. Matt Gaetz derailed his chances by voting “present.”

Gaetz’s antics in the 14th ballot of the marathon speakership contest led to a stunning scene on the House floor as McCarthy slowly walked up the gallery steps to confront the Florida lawmaker with an icy stare.

The two spoke animatedly for roughly a minute, with lawmakers huddled around them, before McCarthy walked away in disgust. He then turned back and approached Gaetz again, pointing his finger at him as the tensions continued to boil.

Adding to the wild scene, Mike Rogers of Alabama had to be restrained by Richard Hudson of North Carolina as he appeared to lunge angrily toward Gaetz.

By that point, McCarthy seemed to realize that the negotiations weren’t getting anywhere and he walked back toward his seat with an irritated expression on his face.

Wild scene as Rep. Mike Rogers has to be physically restrained by another member while going after Gaetz as McCarthy tries to secure final votes pic.twitter.com/c0u2lZxgYr

— Cabot Phillips (@cabot_phillips) January 7, 2023