WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy has cleared the first major step toward becoming House speaker. The California Republican won the nomination Tuesday from his GOP colleagues in a secret ballot election. But it’s just the start. Republicans are on the cusp of House control and McCarthy will face a formal vote when the new Congress convenes in January. McCarthy will need to shore up support from no fewer than 218 lawmakers with potentially just a few votes to spare. He is backed by Donald Trump, but that’s no guarantee after many Republicans blame the former president for disappointing midterm election results.
McCarthy passes 1st House speaker test, but hurdles remain
