New Congress live updates: What's next after Kevin McCarthy's speakership win
McCarthy finally won the speaker's gavel after historic 15 rounds of voting.
The House Republican leadership standoff ended early Saturday morning with Kevin McCarthy winning the speaker's gavel on a historic 15th vote.
It was the longest such election since 1859.
The drama stretched into a fourth day Friday with three more failed votes to decide on a speaker after 11 others over Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday -- the last one ending in a heated one-vote loss at the hands of holdout Matt Gaetz.
McCarthy had been stymied by a small group of hardliners demanding concessions to reshape how the House is run and legislation it prioritizes.
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Heated moment in the chamber as McCarthy loses speaker vote
The atmosphere in the chamber turned heated when McCarthy was denied the speakership again, this time by just one vote.
Mike Rogers, R-Ala., moved toward Rep. Matt Gaetz after he voted "present" -- ultimately sinking McCarthy's chance of getting a majority of votes needed. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., covered his mouth and pulled him away.
McCarthy himself appeared caught off guard. When Gaetz voted "present," McCarthy mouthed "we don't win."
It sucked the air out of the room.
One Democrat member yelled "s***." Others groaned or gasped. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the incoming Democratic caucus leader, said "just another day at the park."
The House is now voting on a motion to adjourn until noon Monday.
--ABC News' Rachel Scott
Matt Gaetz casts deciding vote to sink McCarthy chance at win
Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., sealed McCarthy's fate on Friday as he voted "present" in the 14th round, leaving the California congressman one vote short of winning the gavel.
Gaetz missed the first roll call, making him one of the final members to vote.
Gaetz has led the opposition to McCarthy's bid these past few days, nominating GOP alternatives such as Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio or even former President Donald Trump.
"This has never been about me or Kevin McCarthy. It's about the American people," Gaetz tweeted before his vote. "America wants to know that the rules of the House of Reps would never allow something like this horrendous omnibus bill to ever pass ever again."
McCarthy falls one vote shy of winning gavel on 14th round
McCarthy fell just one vote shy of winning the speakership in a late-night vote on Friday.
The GOP leader received 216 votes. He needed 217 to have a majority of the 432 votes cast.
None of the six remaining holdouts flipped to McCarthy. Rep. Matt Gaetz and Rep Lauren Boebert -- two of his Republican defectors -- voted "present." Two of his opponents voted for Rep. Jim Jordan and two voted for Rep. Andy Biggs.
Aguilar criticizes GOP over Jan. 6 as he nominates Jeffries
Rep.-elect Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., criticized his colleagues on the other side of the aisle over the Jan. 6 attack as he nominated Rep. Hakeem Jeffries for speaker.
"If we are forced to be here this evening, because of the chaos and crisis on the other side, it’s only fair to point out Madam Clerk that the same individuals who fanned the flames of Jan. 6, who told their followers and their followers followers that they needed to fight back and who challenged the swearing-in of members based on a bogus claim of fake electors may well be in charge of the People's House if they can ever agree on who could lead them."
Aguilar's remarks drew dissent from Republicans.
"That's why House Democrats stand united behind Hakeem Jeffries. Hakeem Jeffries is the only candidate in this race for speaker who will defend democracy," Aguilar said.
Voting is now underway.