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.
Latest headlines:
McCarthy's reaction after win: 'Glad it's over'
McCarthy's first words stepping off the House floor after clinching the speakership: "Glad it's over."
McCarthy also said "no one gets promised anything" when asked if he promised Rep.-elect Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., a subcommittee gavel.
Gaetz blocked McCarthy from winning in the 14th round, much to the frustration of the caucus, but changed his vote to "present" in the 15th and final ballot.
-ABC News' Will Steakin and Lauren Peller
McCarthy finally wins speakership, ending gridlock in the House
McCarthy has finally won the speakership after receiving 216 votes.
Republicans erupted into applause and cheers as the victory became apparent around 12:30 a.m.
McCarthy consistently had the most votes of any Republican but was stymied all week by a small but influential group of GOP rebels who opposed his bid.
The California Republican offered a slate of concessions to pave his pathway, including lowering the threshold of support needed to trigger a vote to remove a speaker to just one lawmaker.
Six of the final GOP holdouts voted "present" in the last round, clearing the way for McCarthy to get to a majority.
Lasting 15 rounds and four days, the vote counting took a historic amount of time and was the longest process to name a speaker since before the Civil War.
The process prevented the House from conducting any business, including considering bills, forming committees and even swearing in lawmakers, which put staff pay, meetings with intelligence officials and more at risk. With a speaker now elected, House business can move forward.
McCarthy appears to win House speaker after historic 15 rounds
House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy appeared to have finally won the speakership after 15 rounds of voting and a years-long personal quest, a win that would allow the chamber to finally swear in lawmakers and legislate.
House moves to 15th vote for speaker
The House is voting again to elect a speaker.
Republicans moved to adjourn until Monday after McCarthy fell one vote shy in the 14th round. Rep.-elect Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., introduced the motion but it failed 155-279 -- with several Republicans changing their vote halfway through.
McCarthy clearly thinks he now has the votes.
“Everybody take a seat, let’s go one more time!” McCarthy said.
Arkansas Republican Bruce Westerman rose to nominate McCarthy, saying "the eyes of the world, the eyes of America are on this body right now."