It took fifteen votes, but House Speaker Kevin McCarthy finally did it.
And he wouldn't change a thing about the way it happened.
"Our nation is worth fighting for."
His opening of the 118th Congress early on Saturday was his first action as Speaker of the House since winning the vote late on Friday night, beating out Democrat Hakeem Jeffries' by four votes.
After his exhausting victory, McCarthy addressed America:
"I hope one thing is clear after this week: I will never give up. I will never give up for you, the American people. And I will never give up on keeping our Commitment to America."
If this week proves anything, it's that McCarthy isn't going to give up easily.
"You know – my father always told me: It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. And now we need to finish strong for the American people," he said upon accepting the gavel.
"As Speaker of the House, my ultimate responsibility is not to my party, my conference, or even our Congress. My responsibility – our responsibility – is to our country. Two months ago, you voted for a new direction for our country. You embraced our Commitment to America. And now, we are going to keep our commitment to you."
"If the son of a fireman and grandchild of immigrants can rise to the highest position in the most important legislative body in the world and if my colleague Hakeem Jeffries with his life story can rise to lead his party then opportunity and democracy still thrive in America," McCarthy added.
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